This year’s awards, centered around the theme “Narratives of Hope: Inspiring Peaceful, Secure, and Inclusive Futures,” recognize media coverage that promotes peace, security, and regional cooperation.

The awards highlight stories that foster unity, resilience, and hope across IGAD Member States. Entries for the awards have already been received, and the panel of jurors has selected 18 winners across various categories for their exceptional storytelling.

The categories include Print, Radio, TV, Photography, Digital, National Languages, Influencer, and Gender-Responsive Media, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be recognized.

The event will also feature a one-and-a-half-day workshop characterized by an engaging panel
discussions across four key sessions:

● Spotlight on the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa
● Challenges faced by women and children in conflict zones
● The Sudan Crisis: Collective Experiences and Insights
● Inspiring change through transformative and powerful messaging

These sessions will bring together experts, journalists, policymakers, and development stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in peace and security across the IGAD region, offering insights and strategies for impactful storytelling.

The workshop will take place from the 22nd to the 23rd of October, and the Awards Ceremony will be held on the 23rd of October from 4 pm to 8 pm .

Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and trophies in appreciation of their impactful storytelling and dedication to promoting peacebuilding and regional development.

Speaking about the upcoming event, IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasized the importance of the media in building peace and security within the region.

He remarked “The media is a powerful tool that bridges divides, unites communities, and fosters understanding and collaboration. The IGAD Media Awards aim to acknowledge and support media professionals who use their platforms to champion hope and peace in the region,”

The event will be organized with the support of the Government of Kenya, USAID Kenya, and the East Africa Mission, the 2024 IGAD Media Awards will convene policymakers, development partners, media professionals, civil society representatives, and stakeholders to celebrate journalistic excellence and acknowledge the challenges and achievements within the region.