Preparations for the 3rd IGAD Media Awards are underway in Addis Ababa, with the event scheduled to take place on November 29–30, 2025.
In a joint press briefing held on sunday, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Abebaw Bihonegn, IGAD Head of Mission to Ethiopia, updated journalists on the upcoming event, which aims to promote developmental journalism across the IGAD region.
Ambassador Nebiat expressed Ethiopia's profound appreciation to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for selecting the country as this year’s host. He highlighted that the Awards arrive at a historic moment for Ethiopia, citing the nation's prominent role in global climate action. He pointed to initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and extensive riverside and corridor development projects. The Ambassador also recalled Ethiopia’s recent unanimous selection during COP30 to host COP 32 in 2027.
IGAD Head of Mission Abebaw Bihonegn echoed the sentiment, specifically acknowledging Ethiopia’s "exemplary national efforts" in building a green and resilient economy through investments in clean and renewable energy, including the GERD. He underlined that Ethiopia’s leadership on climate action was a key factor in the decision to select Addis Ababa as the host city for this year’s Media Awards. Abebaw also reinforced Ethiopia’s historical significance as a founding member of IGAD and a long-standing strategic partner in areas like climate resilience.
