Journalism’s Power to Shape a Sustainable Future: IGAD Media Awards 2025 Illuminate the Path Forward
Pan African Visions
December 05, 2025
By Edwin Austin
Can storytelling truly change the world? The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards 2025 boldly answered this question with a resounding yes. Held on November 30th in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, the ceremony wasn't just about celebrating journalistic excellence; it was a powerful testament to the media's ability to ignite action, foster unity, and confront the pressing climate crisis gripping the Horn of Africa. But here's where it gets even more compelling: the awards went beyond mere recognition, highlighting how journalism can be a catalyst for transformation, weaving together climate resilience and regional solidarity into a narrative of hope and progress.
The IGAD 2025 Media Awards didn't just applaud storytelling; they celebrated it as a force for change. This prestigious platform honored journalists who dared to tackle urgent challenges with integrity and creativity. Their work wasn't just about informing; it was about inspiring informed communities to become architects of a sustainable and united future. And this is the part most people miss: these journalists are not just reporting on the issues; they're actively shaping the narrative, countering external distortions, and reclaiming authentic regional stories.
Ethiopia, the host nation, was lauded by the chief guest, Dr. Gedion Timotheos Hessebon, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, not only for its rich cultural heritage but also for its unwavering commitment to climate action. In his congratulatory remarks, Dr. Hessebon highlighted Ethiopia’s proactive role, citing the recent successful hosting of the 2nd Africa Climate Summit. “Ethiopia has shown we are not merely victims but leaders implementing concrete measures to combat climate change,” he asserted, a statement that underscores the nation's determination to lead by example.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized the critical role of journalists in the region, stating, “IGAD journalists are reclaiming authentic regional narratives with courage and integrity, countering external distortions.” He shed light on the urgent realities of climate change, highlighting local initiatives that seamlessly integrate environmental stewardship with peace and security. Dr. Workneh also addressed the grave displacement crisis in Sudan, expressing deep solidarity and a steadfast commitment to peace. “Protecting our environment is not simply stewardship; it is safeguarding peace,” he declared, a sentiment that resonates deeply in a region grappling with interconnected challenges.
As the region prepares to take center stage at global platforms like COP32, Dr. Workneh also highlighted modern challenges such as artificial intelligence, urging journalists to safeguard truth and information integrity. This call to action raises a thought-provoking question: In an era of rapidly evolving technology, how can journalists ensure the integrity of information while navigating the complexities of AI and digital media?
Mr. Guang Cong, UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, echoed this vision, acknowledging the media’s indispensable 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 the importance of “unity over division” and the necessity for enhanced collaboration to face shared challenges collectively. This partnership is a beacon of hope, demonstrating what can be achieved when organizations work together towards a common goal.
The 3rd IGAD Media Awards celebrated 20 winners across various categories, each bringing a unique perspective to critical issues like climate change, peacebuilding, and social justice. From television to print, radio to digital media, these journalists showcased the power of storytelling to inspire and mobilize. In the television category, Ledama Masidza from Kenya captured the resilience of local communities thriving despite climate challenges, while Somalia’s Mohamed Nur Mohamad vividly brought to life the Horn of Africa Peace Conference in Nairobi. These stories not only inform but also inspire, showing what is possible when communities come together.
Radio storytelling came alive through Steve Mokaya Ondieki’s portrayal of Maasai women combating drought with beekeeping, a testament to human ingenuity in the face of adversity. Michael Wambi’s urgent call for a climate-resilient food system in Uganda highlighted the intersection of agriculture and environmental sustainability. Print journalists like MaryAnn Anyango Muganda and Ambrose Okwanga showcased grassroots innovation, from turning trash into treasure to transforming rural farming into life-saving projects. These stories remind us that solutions often come from within communities, driven by necessity and creativity.
Digital media shone with Ethiopia’s Getnet Shenkute Menguesha, who harnessed climate intelligence for survival, and South Sudan’s Gabriel Gatluak Wal Ket, whose narratives inspired hope and change through climate resilience. Social media’s power was embodied by Djibouti’s Amina Idan Paul, who critiqued the tardy response to COP29, and Somalia’s Ahmed Mohamed Absie, a pioneer in green media for climate action. These digital platforms have become powerful tools for advocacy, reaching audiences far and wide.
In the photography category, Somalia’s Abdirahman Salad Abdulle captured the devastation of unexpected floods in Mogadishu, while Kenya’s Andrew Ngea Kasuku froze the moment a man escaped a submerged church after devastating rains. These images are more than just pictures; they are powerful reminders of the human cost of climate change. 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. These stories highlight the intersection of gender equality and environmental sustainability, showing how progress in one area can benefit another.
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. This inclusivity ensures that diverse voices are heard, enriching the regional narrative. Emerging voices like Kenya’s Bonface Barasa and Annastacia Kiragu told tales of hope rooted in environmental recovery and urban renewal, proving that even the youngest journalists can make a significant impact. Finally, the ceremony honored veterans Faisal Mohamed Salih and Maeza Birru Gebrewolde, whose lifelong dedication continues to shape the heartbeat of regional journalism. Their legacy is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
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 fueled 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 to me as well. This investment in the next generation of journalists ensures that the legacy of the IGAD Media Awards will continue to grow and evolve.
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, set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, promise to continue this legacy, inspiring even more journalists to take up the mantle of change.
So, what do you think? Is journalism truly a powerful tool for driving climate action and fostering regional unity? How can we support journalists in their mission to inform, inspire, and transform? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
