The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced the upcoming IGAD Media Awards 2024, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event, hosted at the Argyle Hotel, will recognise journalists and media professionals who have significantly contributed to peace, security, and development within the IGAD region.
Centred around the theme “Narratives of Hope: Inspiring Peaceful, Secure, and Inclusive Futures,” this year’s awards recognise 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 event will feature a one-and-a-half-day workshop characterised by 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.
Speaking about the upcoming event, IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasised the importance of the media in building peace and security within the region. He remarked that 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." said Gebeyehu.
Organised 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.
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 at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi.
During the ceremony, the 18 winners, representing categories such as Print, Radio, TV, Photography, Digital, National Languages, Influencer, Gender-Responsive Media, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be recognised.
Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and trophies in appreciation of their impactful storytelling and dedication to promoting peacebuilding and regional development. IGAD remains committed to supporting the media’s role in advancing peace, security, and regional cooperation.
