The 2025 edition of the IGAD Media Awards officially opened today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, spotlighting excellence in climate journalism across the Horn of Africa.
The ceremony brings together journalists, media houses, and content creators from IGAD’s eight member states to recognize outstanding reporting on climate impacts, adaptation, and resilience.
The awards, now in their third edition, are held under the theme “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.” They aim to elevate media coverage on climate change, encourage ethical reporting, and highlight innovative solutions to the challenges posed by environmental shocks, such as recurrent droughts, floods, and food insecurity.
Organizers emphasized that the awards are open to journalists across all platforms print, radio, television, digital media, and photojournalism including freelancers and independent reporters whose work focuses on climate issues in the region.
This inclusive approach is intended to ensure diverse perspectives in climate storytelling and to strengthen regional communication networks.
Alongside the awards ceremony, the event features the “Voices for Climate Action Knowledge Share Fair,” a two-day forum where journalists, policymakers, development partners, and innovators exchange ideas, share best practices, and discuss strategies to improve climate awareness and community-level resilience.
IGAD Secretary-General Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu said the awards reflect the organization’s commitment to promoting informed public discourse and regional cooperation on climate adaptation. “By recognizing excellence in journalism, we empower communities with knowledge and strengthen regional efforts toward sustainable development,” he stated.
The 2025 IGAD Media Awards highlight the critical role of the media in informing policy, supporting climate-resilient initiatives, and fostering cross-border collaboration in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
By Michelle Ndaga
