The “Climate Change Media Symposium & Media is Hope AWARD Ceremony” will be held at the United Nations University
The “Climate Change Media Symposium & Media is Hope AWARD Ceremony,” a discussion on the role of the media in addressing climate change, will be held simultaneously at the United Nations University
▶︎Press Release（PRTIMES）：https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000030.000128060.html
▶︎Press Release (PDF)：https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9pq3SYYfwbPOeeu2K2cj8y1EiDk5ENd/
As we strive toward a society capable of solving climate change—moving beyond mere awareness—what role is expected of the media? What forms of reporting and media practice are truly required?
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, MEDIA IS HOPE Inc. will host the “Climate Change Media Symposium 2026” at the United Nations University. Bringing together media professionals, members of the public, businesses, experts, and other diverse stakeholders, the event will showcase leading examples of climate change reporting and feature discussions aimed at developing mechanisms to sustain climate change coverage.
In particular, this time, in the face of societal crises such as climate change and energy issues, we will discuss the role of problem-solving media, the role of media in the age of AI, and the creation of new relationships with stakeholders, including viewers and sponsors. Through on-site discussions and networking, we aim to further advance climate change reporting and build systems to ensure its continued implementation.
At this year’s symposium, we will also hold the “Media is Hope AWARD 2025” ceremony to honor the achievements of media organizations and journalists who contribute to solving social issues such as climate change and the SDGs.
——————Event Overview——————
■ Date：April 16th, 2026(Thu) 1PM – 4PM (Reception: 4PM–5PM)
■ Location：United Nations University 2F Reception Hall (In-person only)
■ Registration Form: https://forms.gle/UHbYCzSSNodtyaHA7 *Registration will close once capacity is reached
■ Organized by：MEDIA IS HOPE ■ Supported by：United Nations Information Centre
■Schedule：(We are currently making adjustments, so changes may occur.)
1:00 PM –1:10 PM Opening Remarks
Organizer: MEDIA IS HOPE / Supporting Organization: United Nations Information Centre; Kaoru Nemoto, Director
1:10 PM–2:00 PM Session 1: Media is Hope AWARD 2025 Awards Ceremony
・A diverse range of award winners from television, newspapers, radio, local media, social media, manga, and more
・Introduction to cutting-edge media initiatives, such as solution journalism
2:05 PM –2:55 PM Session 2: The Role of Media in the Era of Climate Change and the Rise of AI (tentative title)
・The importance of fact-checking as a way for mass media to serve as a social connector
・Media that becomes invisible behind AI search algorithms, and media that is chosen by audiences
3:00 PM–3:50 PM Session 3: Major Reforms as a Survival Strategy! The Media Landscape at That Time (Tentative Title)
・What reforms are needed in the media to build a better society?
・What is the next stage for relationships with audiences and sponsors, as well as with advertising agencies and consultants?
3:50 PM – 4:00 PM Closing Remarks (Reception to follow at the same venue until approximately 5:00 PM)
~Reference: Climate Change Media Symposium—Past Events~
■ Climate Change Media Symposium 2025: Press Release (PR TIMES)
■ Climate Change Media Symposium 2024: Press Release (PR TIMES)
2024 Video Archive: https://media-is-hope.org/news/2268/
＊Climate Change Media Symposium 2024
＊Climate Change Media Symposium 2025
▶︎Press Release（PRTIMES）：https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000030.000128060.html
▶︎Press Release（PDF）：https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9pq3SYYfwbPOeeu2K2cj8y1EiDk5ENd/
■ Media is Hope AWARD
At this year’s symposium, we plan to hold the “Media is Hope AWARD” ceremony to honor the achievements of media organizations and journalists who contribute to solving social issues such as climate change and the SDGs. (Details regarding the reasons for the awards will be announced separately.)
By recognizing journalism and initiatives that contribute to addressing climate change—such as solution journalism, which focuses not only on problems but also on solutions, and engaged journalism, which tackles challenges through dialogue and collaboration with audiences—we are highlighting their value.
■ MEDIA IS HOPE Inc.
A non-profit organization that provides various support to strengthen climate change reporting in order to realize a society that can solve climate change. Aiming to fundamentally solve climate change, it acts as a bridge to build co-creative relationships between media, citizens, companies, and all other stakeholders. It also operates a media collaboration platform that transcends media and affiliations.
HP：http://media-is-hope.org
MEDIA IS HOPE Inc. also provide spaces for various stakeholders to connect and co-create, such as by hosting the Climate Change Media Symposium, where media professionals, international organizations such as the United Nations, experts, practitioners, citizens and young people discuss the type of reporting required to solve climate change, and “Let’s Make It Together! Renewable Energy Day” supported by the Ministry of the Environment.
■ Contact：contact@media-is-hope.org
MEDIA IS HOPE Inc. Co-Lead Yoshizo Nishida / Yuka Natori