May 5, 2025 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is pleased to announce the launch of the IGAD Media Awards 2025, under the theme: “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.” This prestigious regional initiative aims to recognise and celebrate outstanding journalism that brings climate change issues in the IGAD region to the forefront of public discourse.
As the Horn of Africa grapples with the growing impacts of climate change—including recurrent droughts, floods, and land degradation—the role of the media has never been more vital. The 2025 edition of the Awards seeks to elevate climate-focused reporting that not only informs but also mobilises communities, influences policy, and fosters resilience across Member States.
Award categories include:
- Print Journalism
- Radio Journalism
- Television Journalism
- Digital Media
- Photography
- Indigenous/National Language Reporting
- Influencer/Content Creator of the Year
- Upcoming Media Personality
- Best Female Journalist on Climate Issues
- Life time achievement
Entries will be evaluated based on relevance to climate resilience and adaptation, journalistic accuracy and depth, creativity, reach, and adherence to ethical standards. In addition to receiving certificates and symbolic prizes, winners will benefit from tailored professional development opportunities, including exclusive access to IGAD-led climate briefings, training workshops, and stakeholder forums.
Eligibility extends to media professionals from IGAD’s eight Member States—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda—as well as international journalists with a proven portfolio of work on climate issues in the region.
By amplifying compelling climate narratives and fostering stronger collaboration between journalists, policymakers, and scientific experts, the IGAD Media Awards 2025 aim to strengthen public understanding, advance climate solutions, and support the creation of a more informed, proactive, and resilient IGAD region.
The Awards ceremony will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the official date to be announced.
For submission guidelines and further information, please visit the IGAD Media Awards webpage or contact: mediaawards@igad.int
For more information and updates, follow:
https://linktr.ee/IGADsecretariat
