By Edwin Austin
In a compelling convergence of storytelling and purpose, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards 2025 highlighted the essential role of journalism in confronting the Horn of Africa’s climate challenges while fostering peace and unity. The awards ceremony, held on November 30th in Addis Ababa, stood as vivid proof that media goes beyond storytelling, igniting the spark of transformation throughout the region.
Suffice it to say, by spotlighting stories that weave together climate resilience and regional solidarity, the IGAD 2025 Media Awards celebrated the craft of journalism not merely as a vehicle for information but as a catalyst for transformation. This prestigious platform elevated storytellers who dared to confront urgent challenges with integrity and creativity, fostering a shared vision where informed communities become architects of a sustainable and united future.
The host nation was hailed as a majestic custodian of heritage and progress by the chief guest, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Gedion Timotheos Hessebon, who also acclaimed it not only for its profound cultural legacy but also for its resolute commitment to climate action. In his congratulatory remarks to the winners, he also applauded Ethiopia’s proactive stance, recalling the recent impactful hosting of the 2nd Africa Climate Summit, stating that “Ethiopia has shown we are not merely victims but leaders implementing concrete measures to combat climate change.”
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu noted that “IGAD journalists are reclaiming authentic regional narratives with courage and integrity, countering external distortions.” He underscored the urgent realities of climate change, spotlighting inspiring local efforts that seamlessly bridge environmental stewardship with peace and security. Dr. Workneh also addressed Sudan’s grave displacement crisis, expressing deep solidarity and a steadfast commitment to peace. “Protecting our environment is not simply stewardship; it is safeguarding peace,” he asserted. The Executive Secretary also highlighted modern challenges such as artificial intelligence, urging journalists to safeguard truth and information integrity as the region prepares to lead the global climate dialogue at COP32.
Echoing this vision, Mr. Guang Cong, UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, acknowledged the media’s critical role: “The media remains essential in raising awareness and setting the agenda for climate action and resilience, at subnational, national, regional, and international levels.” He reaffirmed the UN’s ongoing cooperation with IGAD under the 2015 framework signed in Djibouti, stressing “unity over division” and the necessity for enhanced collaboration to face shared challenges collectively.
With a total of 20 winners, the IGAD Media Awards 2025 spoke volumes about resilience, innovation, and the power of storytelling in the face of regional challenges. From television to print, radio to digital media, each awardee brought a unique lens to pressing issues like climate change, peacebuilding, and social justice. In the television category, Ledama Masidza from Kenya captured how local communities flourish despite climate challenges, while Somalia’s Mohamed Nur Mohamad brought to life the Horn of Africa Peace Conference in Nairobi.
Radio storytelling came alive through Steve Mokaya Ondieki’s portrayal of Maasai women combating drought with beekeeping, and Michael Wambi’s urgent call for a climate-resilient food system in Uganda. Print journalists like MaryAnn Anyango Muganda and Ambrose Okwanga showcased grassroots innovation that is turning trash into treasure and transforming rural farming into life-saving projects.
Digital media shone with Ethiopia’s Getnet Shenkute Menguesha, harnessing climate intelligence for survival, alongside South Sudan’s Gabriel Gatluak Wal Ket, inspiring hope and change through climate resilience narratives. Social media’s power was embodied by Djibouti’s Amina Idan Paul, critiquing COP29’s tardy response, and Somalia’s Ahmed Mohamed Absie, pioneering green media for climate action.
In the photography category, photographers captured nature’s fury and human endurance, with Somalia’s Abdirahman Salad Abdulle documenting unexpected floods in Mogadishu, and Kenya’s Andrew Ngea Kasuku freezing the moment a man escaped a submerged church after devastating rains. Gender-focused reporting earned applause through Cinderella Ayebare’s uplifting story of girls’ education in drought-stricken Karamoja, and Jamila Mohamed Abdullahi’s account of Mandera’s green revolution easing hardship.
Bridging linguistic divides, the awards recognized journalism in indigenous languages, bringing vital stories closer to home in Sudan’s Arabic and Ethiopia’s Oromo through Hipa Muhammad Salih and Shimeket Legese Wolde, respectively. Emerging voices like Kenya’s Bonface Barasa and Annastacia Kiragu told tales of hope rooted in environmental recovery and urban renewal. Finally, the ceremony honored veterans Faisal Mohamed Salih and Maeza Birru Gebrewolde, whose lifelong dedication continues to shape the heartbeat of regional journalism.
My dearest reader, it would be remiss of me if I failed to stress this enough: the 20 journalists and influencers who were laureled demonstrated exceptional courage, creativity, and commitment. Their stories went beyond mere reporting; they illuminated urgent challenges, empowered marginalized voices, and sparked meaningful conversations that fuelled hope and transformation across the IGAD region. With the future in focus, the Secretariat also dedicated a few days before the awards to training a pioneering cohort of journalists and influencers, a privilege that was extended my way.
The IGAD Media Awards 2025 reaffirmed climate, peace, and security as central pillars within IGAD’s peace and development agenda. They spotlighted how truthful, courageous journalism builds bridges of understanding, mobilizes collective action, and counters misinformation in an increasingly complex media landscape. As the region gears up to lead at global platforms like COP32, the awards underscored the irreplaceable role of media professionals in steering honest discourse and safeguarding the integrity of information. The 4th IGAD Media Awards will take place in Kampala, Uganda.
