IGAD Media Awards Boost Regional Climate Action Efforts in the Horn of Africa

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADDIS ABABA: The 3rd IGAD Media Awards have given new momentum to climate action in the Horn of Africa, with regional leaders saying stronger, solution-focused journalism is becoming essential to shaping public policy and strengthening community resilience.

The ceremony in Addis Ababa brought together hundreds of journalists, diplomats and policymakers, underscoring the growing link between climate reporting and the region’s security and development agenda.

IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu said credible climate storytelling is now a strategic tool for governments seeking to build public awareness and attract investment for adaptation projects.

“Your reporting strengthens the region’s capacity to respond to climate shocks,” he told journalists, urging them to amplify stories on local innovation and community resilience rather than solely documenting crises.

UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong emphasised that environmental stress remains a major driver of conflict. He said accurate, data-backed journalism supports early warning systems that can help governments and humanitarian actors anticipate droughts, floods and displacement.

Award-winning entries reflected the region’s most pressing climate pressures, from flood-damaged villages in Somalia and Kenya, to drought-hit communities in Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan. Many stories highlighted practical responses such as climate-smart agriculture, water-harvesting projects and large-scale tree-planting campaigns.

Officials noted that the visibility generated by these reports directly influences regional policy discussions, as IGAD works to strengthen coordination on climate adaptation, resource management and cross-border resilience initiatives.

By recognising journalists from all eight member states, the awards also strengthened regional cooperation. Organisers said shared storytelling helps member countries identify common risks and replicate successful solutions, improving preparedness across the Horn of Africa.

Uganda will host the next edition of the awards in 2026, a move IGAD says will further deepen collaboration at a time when climate shocks continue to intensify.