Ethiopia Advocates for Multilateralism and Fair Representation in the UN’s Pact for the Future
Ethiopia Assumes Chairmanship of AFRA: A Commitment to Nuclear Science Advancement in Africa
Ethiopia launches Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) to Drive Data-Driven Tourism Development
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work received UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Hannah Tetteh, on Wednesday (September 25) as she took leave, finishing her tenure. The president thanked her for the UN’s significant support to Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa during her tenure.
On Thursday (September 19), Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was named IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Tourism Champion for a three-year term. This appointment highlights Ethiopia’s leadership in advancing tourism development within the IGAD region, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering regional collaboration. (See Article)
On Sunday (September 22), the United Nations adopted a “Pact for the Future” to address 21st-century challenges such as conflict, climate change, and human rights. The Pact, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, was endorsed by world leaders from UN member state. Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie, spoke during an interactive dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security. (See Article)
Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie met with several officials on the margins of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. On Thursday (September 26), he met with Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis; Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone; and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. On Wednesday (September 25), he held discussions with Catherine Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs of the U.S. State Department, and Rosemary DeCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs of the United Nations.
On Tuesday (September 24), he met with Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, and Jeje Odongo, Foreign Minister of Uganda. He also met with Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, on Monday (September 23), and with Ahmed Attaf, Algerian Foreign Minister, on Sunday (September 22).
The discussions during the sidelines of UNGA focused on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia, stressing the need for careful deliberation on post-ATMIS arrangements to preserve security gains. Foreign Minister Taye emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to combating terrorism and addressing regional security challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration among nations and international bodies. He also underscored Ethiopia’s relationships with various countries to facilitate dialogue on shared interests and recognized the significance of historical ties in promoting cooperation on security and development.
On Monday (September 16), Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew chaired the UNDRR Support Group meeting in Geneva, stressing the urgent need for stronger global disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. The meeting brought together representatives from UNDRR and member states to discuss key initiatives to enhance resilience against disasters. (See Article)
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the terrorist attack on Monday (September 23) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan, which targeted a diplomatic convoy that included several envoys, including the Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan. In the statement condemning the attack, Ethiopia expressed condolences to the family of the deceased police officer who was escorting the diplomats, as well as to the people and government of Pakistan.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology, actively participated in the 68th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, held last week (September 16-20) in Vienna, Austria. (See Article)
Ethiopia has officially assumed the chairmanship of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) from Algeria during the 35th Meeting of AFRA representatives held on Thursday (September 19) on the sidelines of the 68th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria. (See Article)
Ethiopia launched its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) on Tuesday (September 17), marking a significant step toward enhancing data-driven tourism development in the country. Developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this initiative aims to provide a standardized statistical framework for measuring the economic impact of tourism. (See Article)
On Tuesday (September 24), Ethiopian Federal Police Commission Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael met with Darren Welch, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Ethiopia, to discuss enhancing cooperation in the security sector.
An Ethiopian delegation led by Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, attended the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ first Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres, and Vaccines on Monday (September 23), aimed at tackling animal diseases.
Ethiopian Airlines celebrated six decades of uninterrupted service to Rome, Italy, on Friday (September 20), hosting a vibrant event attended by government officials from both countries, corporate guests, stakeholders, and airline executives to commemorate this milestone in aviation excellence.
The 2024 International Day of Peace was celebrated in Addis Ababa on Friday (September 20) under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” The event brought together heads of UN agencies in Ethiopia, representatives from civil society organizations, youth and women networks, and other stakeholders, marking the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
On Friday (September 20), the Ethiopian Investment Commission held discussions with a delegation from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from Beijing, China, to Ethiopia. The delegation was led by Zhuang Jianrong, Division Director of the Foreign Economic and Trade Division.
Djibouti
Djiboutian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf attended the Summit for the Future held by the United Nations on Sunday (September 22).
On Monday (September 23), Ethio-Djibouti Railway S.C. announced that Ethiopia launched its first livestock export to Djibouti by rail. This approach aims to maximize the use of open wagons, which were previously used only for imports.
A cross-border meeting between Djibouti and Ethiopia was held on Tuesday (September 24) in Djibouti under the auspices of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), with support from the Global Health Fund. This meeting aims to assess the progress of the health action plan and strengthen cooperation between the health systems of the two countries in marginal areas along the common border, focusing on effectively combating tuberculosis and malaria.
Sudan
Acting Foreign Minister Hussein Awad Ali participated in the Future Summit on Sunday (September 22) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
South Sudan
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc, attended the Future Summit on Sunday (September 22) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
He also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie on the sidelines of the 79th UNGA. The two sides discussed issues of mutual importance during their meeting. The two sides discussed their support for the equitable use of Nile water and South Sudan’s recent ratification of the CFA, agreeing to collaborate on its implementation.
Africa and the Africa Union
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat attended the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). On the sidelines of the assembly, he participated in bilateral discussions with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and the Foreign Minister of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna.
The AUC Chiarperson, alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres, EU President Charles Michel, and senior officials from the African Union, United Nations, and European Union, held a meeting at the UN on the margins of the General Assembly session.
The African Union delegation, led by Moussa Faki Mahamat, also engaged in discussions centered around the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together for peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.”
A high-level event titled “Investing in Tomorrow: The African Union Year of Education Catalyzing Progress for Africa and the World” concluded with a strong commitment to building resilient quality education for all. The event held on the margins of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) on Wednesday (Septmeber 25) commemorated the mid-term of the African Union’s (AU) 2024 Year of Education and underscored the urgent need to transform education systems across the continent.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Named IGAD Tourism Champion as IGAD Unveils 10-Year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan in Addis Ababa
On Thursday (September 19), Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was named IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Tourism Champion for a three-year term. This appointment highlights Ethiopia’s leadership in advancing tourism development within the IGAD region, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering regional collaboration.
Prime Minister Abiy’s appointment underscores the significance of leadership in shaping the region’s tourism sector. IGAD has expressed confidence in his ability to drive economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Under his leadership, Ethiopia has launched numerous tourism initiatives focused on sustainability, benefiting local communities and protecting natural resources.
At a recent ceremony in Addis Ababa, tourism ministers from across the IGAD region introduced the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034. This strategic framework aims to position IGAD as a cohesive and competitive tourism destination by fostering collaboration among member states. The plan aligns with Ethiopia’s broader objectives to develop sustainable tourism and strengthen regional cooperation.
Developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the STMP outlines strategies to leverage the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Despite the IGAD region’s potential, its share of global tourism remains limited. The STMP seeks to address this by attracting investment, promoting regional cooperation, and making tourism a key driver of economic growth. The plan emphasizes poverty reduction, regional integration, and sustainability as core objectives.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership emphasizes the balance between economic growth and sustainable tourism. As IGAD Tourism Champion, he advocates for initiatives that maximize tourism’s benefits while minimizing environmental impact. The STMP reflects this vision by prioritizing eco-tourism, local economic development, and cultural preservation.
Sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism, offers the potential to create jobs, support conservation, and enhance biodiversity protection. The IGAD region aims to set an example for responsible tourism practices globally, contributing to both economic development and environmental sustainability.
The success of the STMP depends on collaboration among IGAD member states, the private sector, civil society, and development partners. Prime Minister Abiy’s role as Tourism Champion is a call for stakeholders to unite in building a robust and sustainable tourism sector. Partnerships are key to realizing the ambitious goals outlined in the plan, which include job creation, income generation, and regional stability.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s appointment as IGAD Tourism Champion marks a significant step for Ethiopia and the broader IGAD region. The launch of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2024-2034 provides a roadmap for harnessing the region’s tourism potential through sustainability and cooperation.
As Ethiopia and its neighbors work towards these goals, the commitment to developing a sustainable tourism sector will enhance the region’s global standing and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Through strong leadership and collaborative planning, the IGAD region is positioned to achieve lasting success in tourism development.
Ethiopia Advocates for Multilateralism and Fair Representation in the UN’s Pact for the Future
On Sunday (September 22), the United Nations adopted a “Pact for the Future” to address 21st-century challenges such as conflict, climate change, and human rights. The Pact, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, was endorsed by world leaders from the UN member states.
This comprehensive agreement addresses both new challenges and long-standing global issues, aiming to ensure that international institutions can adapt to the modern world. The Secretary-General emphasized the need to transform systems built by past generations to create a future for coming ones.
At the Summit of the Future, the Secretary-General highlighted the Pact’s potential to unlock new opportunities, while the President of the General Assembly noted that it sets the foundation for a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful global order.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie, spoke during an interactive dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security. He praised the negotiation efforts that led to the adoption of the Pact and outlined key areas that Ethiopia views as crucial for effective multilateralism.
He emphasized the importance of reinforcing the United Nations as a trusted and effective multilateral organization. The Foreign Minister stressed that the UN must transcend selective national interests and adhere strictly to its founding principles: sovereignty, equality, non-interference in internal affairs, the prohibition of force, and peaceful resolution of disputes. He called for the Pact to be implemented in full alignment with these core principles.
Ambassador Taye also stressed the continued importance of these principles in a multipolar world, warning that no regional alliance should undermine them. He highlighted poverty and inequality as central global challenges, urging greater solidarity and political commitment to help nations eradicate poverty. He called for an end to unilateral sanctions and trade blockades, which disproportionately harm developing countries.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister underscored the urgent need to reform the UN Security Council to address Africa’s lack of representation. He insisted that this issue cannot be resolved with half-measures, as Africa remains the only regional group without a permanent seat and associated privileges. Comprehensive reform is required to ensure fair representation.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and peace, noting the polarized international context. He stressed that cooperation, rather than rivalry, is essential for achieving sustainable development and peace. He reiterated that the Pact’s full implementation would significantly advance these goals.
The Pact outlines commitments across five chapters, focusing on eradicating poverty, ensuring sustainable development, and reforming global governance. Ambassador Taye called on developed countries to fulfill their responsibilities in providing development assistance and taking climate action. He also highlighted the potential of South-South cooperation, particularly in areas like food security and energy access.
The adoption of the Pact signals a strong global commitment to the United Nations, international systems, and the rule of law. Leaders have articulated a vision for an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more inclusive of today’s world, and leverages the expertise of governments, civil society, and other key players.
The 42-page Pact, adopted at the start of the two-day Summit of the Future, outlines 56 key actions. These include commitments to multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter, and enhancing peacekeeping efforts. The document covers a broad range of issues, such as peace and security, sustainable development, digital cooperation, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, and the transformation of global governance.
Ethiopia Chairs UNDRR Support Group Meeting in Geneva: Advocating for Enhanced Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies
On Monday (September 16), Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew chaired the UNDRR Support Group meeting in Geneva, stressing the urgent need for stronger global disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. The meeting brought together representatives from UNDRR and member states to discuss key initiatives to enhance resilience against disasters.
Ambassador Tsegab outlined Ethiopia’s three main priorities during its chairmanship of the UNDRR Support Group. The first priority was accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and its Midterm Review recommendations. The second priority centered on improving access to early warning systems, advocating for increased support for the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.Lastly, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of integrating DRR into local government planning and empowering communities to take active roles in disaster prevention and response.
Kamal Kishore, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting countries in their DRR efforts. Presentations covered preparations for the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, set for June 2025 in Switzerland, as well as the 2024 DRR regional platforms in the Philippines, Namibia, and Montenegro. The meeting also discussed the upcoming International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) and World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024, encouraging broader participation in awareness-raising efforts.
Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission will chair the UNDRR Support Group from September 2024 to August 2025, marking Ethiopia as the first African country to hold this leadership position since the group’s founding in 2002. This reflects Ethiopia’s strong commitment to advancing disaster risk management and promoting international cooperation.
The UNDRR remains one of the foremost multilateral partners in global DRR efforts, alongside organizations like the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), and the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative (CREWS).
The UNDRR Support Group Meeting in Geneva is crucial for driving global DRR efforts, promoting the implementation of the Sendai Framework, and supporting initiatives such as EW4All to ensure better preparedness at the community level. Integrating DRR into local governance and empowering communities continue to be central goals, as the group facilitates collaboration among member states, sharing of best practices, and resource mobilization for disaster prevention and resilience-building.
Ethiopian Delegation Participates in the 68th IAEA General Conference: A Commitment to Nuclear Science Development
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation and Technology, actively participated in the 68th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, held last week (September 16-20) in Vienna, Austria.
In his address, the Minister underscored Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in harnessing nuclear advancements for development.
The Minister congratulated Ham Sangwook on his election as President of the conference and expressed gratitude to Vilawan Mangklatanakul for her effective leadership during the previous session.
He acknowledged IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his impactful initiatives, which have greatly benefitted Ethiopia. Programs such as “Rays of Hope,” “ZOODIAC,” “NUTEC,” and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship have played a vital role in enhancing Ethiopia’s infrastructure and human resource development. The Minister also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming “Atom 4 Food” initiative, aimed at improving food security and addressing hunger, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to its successful implementation.
The Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s growing involvement in nuclear science and technology across various sectors, particularly its exploration of nuclear power for electricity generation. He noted the establishment of the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST), which is designed to sustainably manage the nuclear sector. He emphasized the IAEA’s essential role in strengthening Ethiopia’s capabilities in this field and reiterated the country’s intention to enhance technical cooperation with the IAEA to fulfill the objectives of its National Nuclear Program.
Ethiopia has also signed the 5th Country Program Framework (CPF) for Technical Cooperation with the IAEA, which will guide their collaboration from 2024 to 2028. This framework is crucial for continued partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, health, industry, energy, and human capital development.
The Minister also highlighted the recent imPACT Review, which has been instrumental in shaping Ethiopia’s National Cancer Control Plan, and announced plans to expand radiotherapy centers in collaboration with the IAEA to address the rising cancer burden in the country.
In a separate session during the conference, Ethiopia assumed the chairmanship of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) for the 2024-25 period.
The delegation, including members of Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission, held bilateral discussions with Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General, agreeing to work closely to further strengthen their collaboration. The Minister commended the Director-General for his commitment to supporting Ethiopia and noted the country’s population of more than 120 million, requesting the opening of a regional office in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia Assumes Chairmanship of AFRA: A Commitment to Nuclear Science Advancement in Africa
Ethiopia has officially assumed the chairmanship of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) from Algeria during the 35th Meeting of AFRA representatives held on Thursday (September 19) on the sidelines of the 68th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
In his acceptance speech, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, expressed humility and responsibility as Ethiopia took on this leadership role. He extended appreciation to African nations for their trust and to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for his continued support of AFRA. The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Chair, Commissioner Abdelhamid Melah, and emphasized the importance of continuity in advancing nuclear science in Africa.
Minister Belete highlighted the transformative potential of nuclear science and technology, noting Ethiopia’s successful use of nuclear applications in health and agriculture. He expressed Ethiopia’s ambition to expand these efforts into nuclear power generation to address Africa’s energy challenges and emphasized nuclear technology’s potential to improve resource management and promote sustainable development across the continent.
The Minister called for united efforts to achieve a prosperous Africa through partnerships, capacity building, and enhanced access to nuclear technology. He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors by working closely with AFRA member states, the IAEA, and other stakeholders to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Ethiopia’s one-year term as AFRA chair will focus on innovation, capacity building, and regional collaboration to advance nuclear science and technology across Africa. This leadership aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goals to utilize nuclear technology for peaceful applications in healthcare, agriculture, mining, environmental protection, energy, and industry.
AFRA, established in 2006, is an intergovernmental agreement among African nations aimed at enhancing the contributions of nuclear science and technology to socioeconomic development across the continent.
Ethiopia launches Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) to Drive Data-Driven Tourism Development
Ethiopia launched its first-ever Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) on Tuesday (September 17), marking a significant step toward enhancing data-driven tourism development in the country. Developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this initiative aims to provide a standardized statistical framework for measuring the economic impact of tourism.
Ethiopia joins a select group of African nations, including Kenya and Uganda, in implementing this important tool. The TSA will be carried out in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and various local institutions.
During the official launch, Tourism Minister Nasisie Chali underscored the pivotal role the TSA will play in fostering sustainable tourism growth. She emphasized that the new data system will enable Ethiopia to gather comprehensive tourism data, allowing for effective measurement and management of its economic contributions.
Minister Nasisie highlighted that the official launch of the TSA marks a turning point in how Ethiopia understands and manages its tourism sector, emphasizing that tourism is a priority for the country due to its rich diversity of tourism resources. UNECA Representative Geoffrey Manyara, who attended the launch, praised Ethiopia’s commitment to adopting a data-driven approach to tourism.
Geoffrey Manyara further noted that the TSA will provide essential insights into tourism’s true contribution to the Ethiopian economy and its future potential. He expressed UNECA’s readiness to support Ethiopia in maximizing the benefits of this initiative. The TSA is expected to facilitate international comparisons of tourism’s economic significance, offering critical data on its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), job creation, and investment.
The introduction of the TSA is expected to provide a strong statistical framework to accurately assess tourism’s economic contributions. It will help fill existing gaps in data collection, allowing for better policy formulation, decision-making, and strategic planning. By addressing the current fragmented approach, the TSA aims to optimize tourism’s economic impact and improve business operations within the sector.
Overall, the launch of the TSA represents a significant advancement for Ethiopia, promising to enhance understanding of tourism’s economic role and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
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