The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially launched the IGAD Media Awards 2025, a bold initiative designed to spotlight and reward outstanding climate journalism across the Horn of Africa.
With the theme “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region,” this year’s awards aim to elevate compelling narratives that inform the public, influence policy, and drive collective action in response to the region’s worsening climate crises.
The Horn of Africa is increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, including prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and widespread land degradation. As the region grapples with these escalating threats, IGAD emphasizes the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding, mobilizing communities, and guiding decision-makers toward sustainable solutions.“The media has the power to connect science with society.
By telling human-centered stories, journalists can help communities understand risks, adopt adaptive practices, and hold institutions accountable,” said an IGAD spokesperson during the launch.
The awards span 10 diverse categories, celebrating excellence in:Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism, Digital Media, Photography,Indigenous/National Language ReportingInfluencer/Content Creator of the Year, Upcoming Media Personality, Best Female Journalist on Climate Issues and Lifetime Achievement.
Entries will be evaluated based on their relevance to climate resilience and adaptation, journalistic quality, creativity, audience engagement, and adherence to ethical standards.
Winners will not only receive regional recognition but also gain 0to IGAD-led capacity-building opportunities, including exclusive climate briefings, training programs, and high-level policy dialogues.
Open to media professionals from all eight IGAD Member States—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda—the awards also welcome international journalists with a proven track record of climate reporting in the region.
The IGAD Media Awards 2025 ceremony is set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the official date to be announced in the coming weeks.
By fostering collaboration between journalists, scientists, and policymakers, IGAD hopes the initiative will galvanize impactful storytelling and inspire a more climate-resilient Horn of Africa.
