Climate Change Media Symposium 2026 Successfully Held with Support from UNIC and UNU — Event Report & Media Coverage
Climate Change Media Symposium 2026 Held at UNU on April 16
The Climate Change Media Symposium 2026, held at the United Nations University on Thursday, April 16, 2026, was successfully concluded with a great turnout.
▶︎ Press Release: https://media-is-hope.org/en/news/653/
Now in its third year, this year’s symposium welcomed over 120 participants from across the media landscape, including television, newspapers, radio, web outlets, and regional media. Approximately 70% of attendees were media professionals.
In an era of rampant fake news and the rapid spread of AI-powered search, the “fact-checking” role of mass media has become more essential than ever. Through three sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the role of media and society in addressing climate change — from the indispensable fact-checking function of mass media, to the roles that advertising agencies, corporate sponsors, and audiences can play in sustaining climate coverage. With each edition, the discussions have grown more concrete and are increasingly translating into action.
The event was also held in conjunction with the “MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD 2025” ceremony, which recognizes the achievements of media and journalists who contribute to solving social issues such as climate change and the SDGs. We had the honor of recognizing the pioneering efforts of awardees who address climate change through a wide variety of media and formats, including television, newspapers, radio, social media, manga, data visualization, and regional media.
Attendees shared comments such as, “It was inspiring and informative to learn about the specific initiatives of other companies and media outlets.” By sharing pioneering examples with one another, media professionals gained valuable insights that will inspire future initiatives and collaboration. The symposium was filled with energy and inspiration, empowering every participant and offering a clear sense that momentum toward solving these challenges will continue to grow.
<MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD 2025 Award Recipients>
[2025 Second Half]
Individual Award: WoW Kitsunezaru
Media Award: NHK News Department
[2025 Annual]
Individual Award: Kiyoshi Ando(Nikkei Inc.)
Media Award: The Mainichi Newspapers / TV TOKYO
Social Media Award: Mutsumi Kurobe
Best Picture Award: Manga “青の王国 BlueNation年代記” (Blue Kingdom: BlueNation Chronicles) by Marin Shioda
Data Visualization Award: Digital Feature “温暖化する地球を見下ろす 気候変動の15の陰影” (Looking Down on a Warming Earth: 15 Shades of Climate Change) by The Chunichi Shimbun
Series Award:
1. Radio Program “いま、地球がアツい！” (The Earth Iis Hot Right Now) by Nippon Broadcasting System
2. Report “気候危機にメディアはどう向き合うべきか” (How Should the Media Address the Climate Crisis?) by NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute
Local Media Award: Fukuoka Broadcasting System
Solution Award: The Yomiuri Shimbun
▶︎ MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD 2025 Second Half & Annual Award Recipients (PR TIMES, in Japanese only): https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000032.000128060.html
Media Coverage Summary: Climate Change Media Symposium 2026
＊Please note that the following articles are available in Japanese only.
■ “いま、地球がアツい！” (The Earth is Hot Right Now!) Receives Series Award at MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD 2025 (Nippon Broadcasting System)
https://news.1242.com/article/544432
■ FBS Receives Local Media Award at MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD for Coverage of Renewable Energy, Eelgrass, and Cleanup Activities (Fukuoka Broadcasting System)
https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/fbs/category/life/fs7a7a8cf0981740b98946f7ed36bf2eaa
■The Mainichi Newspapers Receives Annual Media Award at MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD for Climate Change Reporting (The Mainichi Newspapers)
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20260417/ddm/012/040/085000c
■ Symposium to Promote Climate Change Reporting Held at the United Nations University (Kentsu Shimbunsha)
https://digital.kentsu.co.jp/articles/artcl_rglr/01KPANE039ZA8H5R93W3MDYG63
■TV TOKYO’s “UMIMORI” Project for Protecting Ocean and Mountain Environments ReceivesWins Annual Media Award at MEDIA IS HOPE AWARD 2025 (TV TOKYO)
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002250.000002734.html
Going forward, MEDIA IS HOPE Inc. remains committed to accelerating climate change reporting and contributing to the creation of a society that can solve climate change. We hope you will stay tuned for our upcoming events and activities. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries or proposals.
■ Contact：contact@media-is-hope.org
MEDIA IS HOPE Inc. Co-Lead Yoshizo Nishida / Yuka Natori