IGAD Media Awards 2025 Ceremony Held in Addis Ababa Under the Theme “Narratives for Climate Action”

Addis Ababa hosted the third annual IGAD Media Awards 2025 ceremony at the Skylight Hotel. This year’s event was held under the theme “Narratives for Climate Action for a Safe, Responsible, and Stable Region.”

The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, praised the vital role played by journalists and content creators in advocating for the African narrative. He emphasized that media professionals in the region are contributing by presenting their stories with “courage and clarity,” free from distortion, in a way that enhances public awareness, deepens understanding, and builds bridges of understanding.

For his part, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew, the guest of honor at the ceremony, affirmed that climate change poses a significant challenge to the Horn of Africa region, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to climate action within its development plans, citing the Green Cover Initiative, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and the Fruits of the Basket program as examples of national efforts.

The minister emphasized that Ethiopia’s hosting of this event reflects its belief in the role of media in addressing climate change through raising awareness, holding leaders accountable, and promoting community engagement.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, 20 winners were honored across 11 media categories, including television, radio, digital journalism, photography, influencers, local languages, and lifetime achievement.