The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced the launch of the IGAD Media Awards 2025, a new regional initiative designed to recognise and celebrate exceptional journalism focused on climate change across the Horn of Africa.
The awards, operating under the theme "Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region," aim to elevate public discourse and action on critical environmental issues impacting the area.
As the IGAD region, which includes nations like Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, faces increasing climate impacts such as recurrent droughts, severe floods, and widespread land degradation, the role of accurate and impactful media reporting is deemed more vital than ever, according to the release.
The release further stated that the 2025 awards seek to honour journalistic work that not only informs the public but also actively mobilises communities, influences policy decisions, and strengthens resilience among member states.
The awards encompass a broad spectrum of media formats and journalistic roles to ensure wide participation and recognition. The 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, and Lifetime Achievement are among others.
According to IGAD, entries will undergo evaluation based on several key criteria, including their relevance to climate resilience and adaptation efforts within the IGAD region, the journalistic accuracy and depth of the reporting, the creativity employed in storytelling, the reach and impact of the work, and strict adherence to ethical standards in journalism.
The release added that winners will receive certificates and symbolic prizes. Importantly, they will also gain access to tailored professional development opportunities designed to further their expertise and network in climate reporting, according to IGAD.
These opportunities include exclusive access to IGAD-led climate briefings, participation in specialised training workshops, and engagement in stakeholder forums relevant to climate action in the region.
Eligibility for the awards is open to media professionals from all eight IGAD Member States. Additionally, international journalists who have a proven portfolio of work specifically covering climate issues within the IGAD region are also eligible to submit their entries.
By highlighting compelling climate narratives and fostering greater collaboration between journalists, policymakers, and scientific experts, the IGAD Media Awards 2025 are intended to deepen public understanding of climate challenges, accelerate the implementation of climate solutions, and contribute to the creation of a more informed, proactive, and resilient future for the entire IGAD region.
The official awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the specific date for the event to be announced at a later time.