Truth and Professionalism in Focus: XII ‘Golden Pen’ Award Presented in Grozny

Posted by

15/12/2025

Он 14/12/2025

XII International Journalism Award “Golden Pen” Presented in Grozny

At the “Parus” Celebration Hall in Grozny, the ceremony of awarding the XII International Journalism Prize “Golden Pen” was held, dedicated to the memory of the First President of the Chechen Republic, Hero of Russia Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, who greeted the participants and emphasized that the “Golden Pen” award increasingly involves the global media community and significantly contributes to preserving the historical memory of Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov through media works and stories.

This prestigious event traditionally gathers leading professionals of the media sphere from different countries, who present their best works in categories of television, radio, print and online publications, photography, and blogging. The award has become an important platform for affirming professionalism, truth, and respect for facts in journalism, as well as for strengthening cultural and professional ties among media communities of different countries. In addition, it aims to bring the life path and contribution of Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov closer to new generations.

This year, more than 250 works from 12 countries were submitted, demonstrating the growing international significance of the award and its role in promoting truth, professionalism, and respect for facts in journalism.

Among the winners were representatives of media from Russia, Algeria, Pakistan, and other countries. Awards were presented in several categories: television and radio programs, news reports, articles, essays, photo of the year, and blogging.

“I sincerely congratulate everyone on their well-deserved victories. I express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear brother, Minister of the Chechen Republic for National Policy, External Relations, Press and Information, Ahmed Dudaev, to the jury members, and to the entire team of organizers for the excellent level of preparation and implementation of this significant event,” – emphasized Ramzan Kadyrov, President of the Chechen Republic.

Photo: Ahmed Dudaev, Minister of the Chechen Republic for National Policy, External Relations, Press and Information

Winners by Category

Television:

Baufikan Khalid (Algeria) – Thematic TV Program
Vladislav Andritsa (RT) – News TV Report

Radio:

Selima Khasbulatova (ChGTRK “Grozny”)
Tatyana Vlasova (“Lipetsk FM”)

Print and Online Publications:

Hamdani Ishtiaq Sayed Hussein (Editor-in-Chief of Russian Bureau “Sada-e-Rus”) – Article
Elza Lorsanova – Essay

Photo of the Year:

Pavel Kolyadin (Publishing House “Mir Belogorya”)

Blogging:

Adam Tokaev

These winners were selected for their outstanding contribution to professional, informative, and creative journalism.

Photo: Elizaveta Abramova, Dragana Trifković, Ishtiaq Hamdani

Special Award

The honorary badge “For Labor Distinction” was awarded to jury committee member, Editor-in-Chief of the socio-political magazine Persona Strany, Elizaveta Abramova.

In an interview with “Grozny-Inform,” Elizaveta emphasized that the award was a complete surprise for her:

“For me, this is a completely unexpected sign of attention. Honestly, I did not think my work would be valued so highly,” said Abramova.

She explained that she has been familiar with the contest and its importance for the professional community for many years:

“I have known about this award for a long time. Last year I was also here, participating in the work of the organizing committee. Therefore, it is especially pleasant to be among the awardees,” she noted.

Dragana Trifković Selected as Jury Member

Special attention was drawn to the participation of Dragana Trifković, General Director of the Center for Geostrategic Studies from Serbia, who was selected as a jury member of the international “Golden Pen” contest. At the ceremony, Trifković personally presented the award to Adam Tokaev, contributing to the international character of the event.

Photo: Adam Tokaev and Dragana Trifković

For her professionalism and significant contribution to the development of international journalism within the contest, Trifković received a letter of gratitude from the Ministry of National Policy, External Relations, Press and Information of the Chechen Republic.

In an exclusive interview for the newspaper Vesti Respubliki, Dragana Trifković shared her impressions of visiting the Chechen Republic:

“It is a great honor for me to be a jury member of this prestigious contest ‘Golden Pen.’ I believe that holding this contest is extremely important, and I myself strive to contribute to its promotion by introducing it to colleagues from other countries. I am convinced that the Chechen Republic, given its unique historical path and experience, occupies a special and significant place in Russia and beyond. The journalism profession is extremely important, since its foundation is truth and reliable information.”

Photo: Dragana Trifković and Minister Ahmed Dudaev

Significance of the Event

The “Golden Pen” award is becoming increasingly important as an international platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening professional standards, and affirming quality journalism, as well as for developing dialogue among media communities worldwide. In addition, it serves as a way to bring the historical legacy and contribution of Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov closer to new generations, emphasizing the values of truth, professionalism, and creativity in media work.