The third round of the annual IGAD Media Awards ceremony was held on Sunday (November 30) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. This year’s IGAD Media Awards is themed “Storytelling for Climate Action: For a Secure, Resilient, and Stable Region.”
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, in his opening remarks, extended his gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia and other IGAD partners and sponsors whose steadfast support and belief in the power of storytelling have made the gathering remarkable.
Recalling the previous media award ceremonies, first in Djibouti and second in Nairobi, Kenya, the Executive Secretary stated that this annual media event continues to amplify voices that shape the region’s story with courage, truth, and unwavering integrity. He added that “custodians of our shared story,” including journalists, storytellers, and content creators, play an exceptional role in a world where external narratives often overshadow African voices by stepping “forward with clarity and defiance.” The transformative resolve of members of the fourth estate is instrumental in ensuring that “our stories are told by us, for us,” Workneh echoed. “It is an act of regional self-determination,” he stated.
Commending the remarkable and inspirational work done by media personalities in the region on matters of climate change, he said, “You have reclaimed our narrative from distortion, ensuring the world sees us not through borrowed eyes but through the sharp focus of our own truth. In doing so, you empower communities, deepen understanding, and build bridges across divides once thought immovable.” Reiterating the theme of this year’s award, he underscored the fact that “climate action, security, peace, and food security are not abstractions; they are the pulse of our region. Climate change is no longer approaching; it is right here, right now.”
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, also delivered his opening remarks. In his remarks, he emphasised that this year’s theme is a reminder that climate change has become a global concern, particularly for the Horn of Africa. Quoting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, he stated that “our journey has been tested by drought, conflict, and global shocks.” These recurring climatic shockwaves oscillating between extreme drought and devastating floods continue to test our resilience.”
Since its inception, FM Gedion stated, IGAD has been central to the regional climate response. Guided by the IGAD Climate Adaptation Strategy, it coordinates efforts to combat the impacts of climate change, he mentioned. Despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, FM Gedion underscored, the Horn of Africa region continues to shoulder a disproportionate burden from climate change caused by activities beyond borders.
The Minister also reiterated Ethiopia’s continued commitment to climate action. In this regard, he highlighted the fact that climate action is at the centre of Ethiopia’s development policies, as clearly enshrined in the Ten-Year Development Plan. He said Ethiopia, as a key member of the IGAD family, continues steadfast in its commitment to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement while upholding its crucial status as Africa’s “green champion.” He noted that the national narrative transcends despair, focusing instead on actionable solutions and transformative changes, including the Green Legacy Initiative, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of the Basket), among others.
It is in this context that Ethiopia hosts the IGAD Media Awards, recognizing the media’s crucial role in the collective climate fight, the Foreign Minister told participants. The media raises public awareness, holds leaders accountable, disseminates vital information, and amplifies vulnerable voices, ultimately enabling coordinated action, he stressed.
The Minister congratulated the awardees whose professionalism and dedication have significantly advanced public awareness and informed decision-making. He also called upon the recipients of the awards and, through them, fellow career and citizen journalists, to assist governments and regional organizations in the fight against climate change by changing public conversation, influencing policy, and catalyzing community-driven solutions in the region.
on the evening, 20 nominees received awards in 11 major categories, including television, radio, print, digital, influencer, photography, gender-responsive media, upcoming media personality of the year, indigenous language, and lifetime achievement award.
The winning and participating journalists of the 3rd Eastern Africa Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards, which was held in Addis Ababa, have paid a visit to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the following day on Monday (December 1).
Ambassador Hadera Abera, Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD Mohamed Abdi Ware, and IGAD Head of Mission to Ethiopia Abebaw Bihonegn, as well as other senior officials from the Government of Ethiopia and IGAD, also took part in the visit.
During the visit, journalists from IGAD Member States underscored that the GERD plays a significant role not only for Ethiopia but also for neighboring countries by strengthening cooperation in renewable energy and contributing to ongoing efforts to combat climate change.
The journalists added that the unified mobilization of the Ethiopian people in constructing this monumental dam serves as an inspiring example of successful project implementation for other African countries.