2025 UNCA AWARDS WINNERS

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

2025 UNCA AWARDS WINNERS

The United Nations Correspondents Association is honored to announce the 29th annual UNCA Awards and Dag Hammarskjold Fund for Journalists taking place on Friday, December 15th at Casa Cipriani South Street in New York. President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock will be the guest of honor of the evening. Activist Greenpeace Ambassador Javier Bardem, will attend the event to receive the 2025 UNCA Global Citizen Award and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, SDG Advocate Massimo Bottura will be honored as the 2025 Global Advocate of the Year.

Guest of Honor

25 Javier BARDEM

24 Massimo Bottura

The Elizabeth Neuffer Memorial Prize

For print (including online media) coverage of the United Nations, UN agencies and field operations

sponsored by The Alexander Bodini Foundation

This prize is named in honor of Elizabeth Neuffer, the Boston Globe bureau chief at the United Nations, died while on assignment in Baghdad in 2003. She was a model journalist who proved throughout her career that objectivity does not have to mean neutrality. She was passionate, courageous and compassionate, drawing attention to the forgotten places in the world and to the overlooked victims of war. She explored the forces that can ignite fratricidal and genocidal conflict and her work helped inspire the movement that led to the creation of the International Criminal Court. Personally, her colleagues in UNCA treasure her for her inveterate good humor, which counterbalanced her deadly serious explorations of the darker sides of modern history.

Neuffer Gold Medal Recipient

Dominic Gutoman, Bulatlat, Philippines

Dominic Gutoman, an independent journalist, highlights the challenges faced by human rights workers in the Philippines when conducting searches and investigations for victims of enforced disappearances. In the first of a wo-part report titled “Search, investigations of disappeared activists marred by impunity and lack of state cooperation,” he said the major hindrance is the lack of cooperation from state actors coupled with threats and harassment faced by search missions, underscores the prevailing culture of impunity. The second report deals with failure to ratify a UN convention on enforced disappearance. The Philippines has been repeatedly tagged by international watchdogs as a hotspot for enforced disappearances, with numerous cases remaining unresolved.

Christopher Bendana, Daily Monitor, Uganda

Christopher Bendana’s report titled “Roots for Behaviour Change for a Sustainable World” emphasizes the urgent need for a shift in mindset and societal structures to address environmental challenges. The UN University – Institute for Environment and Human Security highlights that the love for fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change. This has led to severe environmental issues such as floods, droughts, and high temperatures, which in turn cause food shortages, waterborne diseases, and economic disruptions, especially in poorer countries like Uganda. The report calls for a deeper analysis of the root causes of environmental problems, such as deforestation and the clearing of wetlands, rather than relying on surface-level solutions.

Georgia Garantzioli, Envoy, U.S.

Georgia Garantzioli’s report said Syria’s post-Assad era is marked by severe economic ruin, a humanitarian crisis, and the complex role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The collapse of the Assad regime has left Syria in a volatile state, with sanctions, religious zealotry, local enmities, and geopolitical competition shaping the landscape. The conflict has undone nearly four decades of progress, with $800 billion lost from Syria’s GDP, nine out of ten people living in poverty, and three in four dependents on humanitarian aid. Reconstruction efforts face significant challenges due to rivalries among factions and local power centers. Turkey, a strong neighbor, is expected to play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, although its influence is met with resistance.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco & UNCA Global Prize

For print (including online media) and broadcast media (TV & Radio) coverage of Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Water

Since His accession to the Throne in 2005, Prince Albert II of Monaco has made sustainable development His priority. Through His personal leadership, he has committed to promote the well-being of vulnerable communities and the sustainable and equitable management of natural resources.

Prince Albert Gold Medal Recipient

Sanket Jain, Freelance, India

SANKET JAIN, Freelance, India, an Indian freelance journalist, has won the Gold Prize for in-depth reporting on the impact of extreme heat, caused by global warming, on the human brain. Writing for Chemical Engineering News, he combined disturbing accounts of the effects of sun exposure on Indian farmers and schoolchildren with the results of the latest scientific research on extreme heat’s impact on cognition.

Isabella Kaminski, Freelance, United Kingdom

ISABELLA KAMINSKI, Freelance, United Kingdom, a freelance journalist based in the United Kingdom, has won the Bronze Prize. Kaminski’s reporting highlighted the importance of the International Court of Justice’s two-weak hearings on the obligation of states to address climate change after COP29 ended in a bitter truce. She also documented the international mobilization of youth activists ahead of the ICJ hearing.

Read First Document
Read Second Document

Neuffer Bronze Medal Recipient

Hadeer Elhadary, ESG Mena, Egypt

HADEER ELHADARY, ESG Mena, Egypt, an Egyptian freelance environmental journalist, has won the Silver Prize. Reporting for ESG Mena, Elhadary provided in-depth coverage of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, weighing both the promise and hurdles of the ambitious 30X30 Action Plan to protect 30% of the ocean and land by 2030. Her coverage included exclusive interviews with key leaders of the conference.

Read First Document
Read Second Document

The Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize

For broadcast media (TV & Radio) coverage of the United Nations, UN agencies and field operations

Sponsored by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

This prize is Named in honor of Ricardo Ortega, formerly the New York correspondent for Antena 3 TV of Spain, was one of the leading Spanish journalists of his generation. His determination to bear witness first hand to what was happening around the world took him to dozens of countries. His war reporting from Afghanistan, Chechnya, Yugoslavia and Georgia was especially notable and he had a reputation for honesty, independence, determination and courage shown, for example, by his skeptical coverage of the evidence for Iraqi WMD’s presented to UN. Ricardo Ortega was killed by gunfire while covering Haiti on March 2004.

Ortega Gold Medal Recipient

Aaron Berbrick and Sherwin Bryce-Pease South African Broadcasting, United States

THE UN PRODUCTION TEAM (JAPAN)

Aaron Berbrick and Sherwin Bryce-Pease, South African Broadcasting, United States. Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, paints a grim picture of global humanitarian efforts in an interview with South African Broadcasting. He condemns the increasing attacks on aid workers, with hundreds killed, and demands accountability for these atrocities. Fletcher labels Gaza a “21st Century atrocity”, criticizing Israel’s “inhumane conditions” that have led to widespread displacement and famine. He expresses frustration at the world’s inaction despite firsthand accounts of suffering, including targeted medical personnel. He emphasizes that ceasefires have been crucial for hostage releases and defends aid agencies against claims of failure, highlighting their persistent efforts under extreme duress.

Michelle Nichols,Jonah Green and Don Durfee , Reuters, United States

Michelle Nichols of Reuters discussed how diplomacy works at the UN during its annual session in her report titled “Through global eyes: How world leaders view Trump’s diplomacy, unilateralism and global influence”. She said Trump’s presidency has had a significant impact on the international order, drawing both praise and criticism. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Trump’s logistical presence with a light-hearted anecdote, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang criticized Trump’s protectionist policies for contributing to global economic stagnation. Supporters like Argentina’s President Javier Milei praised Trump’s stance on illegal immigration and trade restructuring. However, leaders like Bolivian President Luis Arce and Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned Trump’s hegemonic actions and anti-drug operations.

France 24 and Mother Jones, United States

(Note to Maggie: Could you mention France 24 partnered with Mother Jones for the story)

The YouTube video titled “Gaza Aid Whistleblower Speaks Out Amid Escalating Famine” by Jessica Le Masurier features an interview with Anthony Aguilar, a retired 25-year US Army veteran and Green Beret. In the interview, Aguilar discusses the various challenges and controversies surrounding humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. He highlights the logistical failures in food distribution, which have led to significant delays and inefficiencies in getting aid to those in need. Aguilar also addresses allegations of the militarization of aid operations, where military forces are involved in the distribution process, leading to tensions and conflicts.

The UNCA and Italgas Global Prize

For broadcast media (TV & Radio) coverage of the United Nations, UN agencies and field operations

Sponsored by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Celebrating a quarter-century of recognizing excellence in journalism, the 25th UNCA Italgas Digital Innovation & AI Award honors outstanding media coverage that shines a spotlight on the transformative power of artificial intelligence and digital cutting-edge technologies. This prestigious accolade recognizes forward-thinking journalists who investigate how technological innovation can be harnessed to drive sustainable development, bridge the digital divide, and solve complex global challenges. By illuminating both the immense opportunities and ethical frontiers of the digital revolution, the award underscores the vital role of modern media in shaping public understanding of a tech-driven future aligned with United Nations values.

Gold Medal Recipient

Mercedes Gallego, Envoy, Correspondent at Large, United States

Mercedes Gallego, Envoy, Correspondent at Large, U. S. In her report titled “Can the U.N. save us from the AI reckoning?” Mercedes Gallego discusses the United Nations’ efforts to address the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The UN has established an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance, modeled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These initiatives aim to guide global AI governance and ensure that AI development is harmonized and equitable, respecting human rights. Ambassadors Héctor Gómez Hernández and Maritza Chan Valverde, who co-facilitated the establishment of these bodies, emphasize the urgency of regulating AI to prevent potential threats. The article highlights the rapid pace of AI advancements and the need for a balanced approach to regulation to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks.

Ennety Munshya, Makanday Center for Investigative Journalism, Zambia

Ennety Munshya, Makanday Center for Investigative Journalism, Zambia The report explores the readiness of Zambia’s education sector to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It highlights the potential benefits of AI in enhancing educational outcomes, such as personalized learning experiences, improved administrative efficiency, and better resource management. It also discusses the challenges faced by Zambia in adopting AI, including the need for infrastructure development, training for educators, and the creation of supportive policies and guidelines. The author emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach involving government, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of AI in education.

Xiantian Wang, Independent Journalist, United States

Xiantian Wang, Independent Journalist, United States. Tina Wang’s “What does AI understand about fine art?” explores the capabilities and limitations of AI in interpreting and creating fine art. It highlights an experiment where the author asked ChatGPT to create an image based on their description, resulting in a misrepresentation that raised concerns about AI’s understanding of identity and culture. The article discusses the biases inherent in AI tools and their impact on marginalized communities. It also examines how AI blurs the line between creation and curation, becoming a tastemaker that shapes visual identity and representation.

All Bios are provided by the winning journalists themselves

2023 UNCA Awards Committee

Valeria Robecco (UNCA President), Giampaolo Pioli (Awards Chairman), Tuyet Nguyen (Awards Selections Coordinator) Sherwin Bryce-Pease (UNCA Executive Member) Edith Lederer (UNCA 1^st Vice President) Betul Yuruk (UNCA 2^nd Vice President) Linda Fasulo (UNCA Secretary)

2023 UNCA Awards Gallery

All 2025 UNCA Awards

Join Us

As the voice of the international press corps at the United Nations, UNCA continues to be a cornerstone of the global media landscape. Our members play a vital role in shaping the world’s understanding of key UN activities and global issues. Join us in promoting freedom of the press, access to information, and fair journalism worldwide.

Follow On:

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

2025 UNCA Awards Winners