President Sahlework Attends AU-UNESCO Forum on Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future
Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Holds Bilateral Meetings on the Margins of UNGA79
Ethiopia Calls for Cooperation in Response to Egyptian Concerns at the 79th Session of the UNGA
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Sahlework Zewde attended the opening ceremony of a three-day international forum organized by the African Union Commission and UNESCO, which kicked off in Addis Ababa on Monday (September 30). She emphasized the urgency of transforming knowledge for Africa’s future development. (See Article)
On Tuesday (October 1), during its 39th regular session presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers approved the 2024-2027 national revenue strategy to modernize the tax system and attract investments. The Council also endorsed air transport agreements with Malta and Chad to boost trade and tourism and forwarded the Paris Industrial Property Convention for parliamentary approval to support Ethiopia’s WTO bid. Additionally, it discussed the Madrid Protocol for trademark protection and passed a new regulation to improve passport issuance and immigration services.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on Saturday (September 28), inaugurated the Lemi National Cement Factory, with a production capacity of 150,000 quintals per day.
A High-level delegation led by Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of FDRE, participated at the High-Level Week of 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held from September 24-30 in New York. (See Article)
The BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting was held in New York on Thursday (September 26) on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, led the Ethiopian delegation that participated in the annual BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting convened by Brazil in its capacity of the incoming Chair of BRICS. (See Article)
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie conducted a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting regional peace and security, and addressing global challenges. (See Article)
At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the UN, delivered a robust Right of Reply in response to statement made by Egypt’s representative regarding Ethiopia’s development initiatives, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Sunday (September 29). (See Article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga held talks with Heiko Nitzschke, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, on Tuesday (October 1). Their discussion addressed key issues affecting the Horn of Africa and matters of mutual interest.
In a statement issued by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (September 29), the government condemned the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, and extended condolences to the victims’ families. Ethiopia reiterated its solidarity with the people of Somalia in the fight against terrorism.
Ethiopia achieved 8.1% economic growth during the last fiscal year, Planning and Development Minister Fisum Assefa revealed on Wednesday (October 2). This was discussed during a review of the new macroeconomic policy measures under the Homegrown Economic Reform agenda with the Development Partners Group (DPG).
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and the World Bank signed a $70 million financing agreement on Monday (September 30) for the Governance Modernization to Enable Efficient Service Delivery Project.
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced on Wednesday (October 2) that it has granted operational licenses to five non-bank Forex bureaus. These bureaus fulfilled the Bank’s requirements under Foreign Exchange Directive No. FXD/01/2024.
The Ethiopian Embassy in India participated in the Global Dialogue Forum on the Afro-Asia Dialogue on Climate Crisis, held on Monday (September 30) in New Delhi. During the forum, the success of the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) in the fight against Climate change was highlighted.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) began its agenda-gathering process in Semera, the capital of Afar, on Tuesday (October 1), with representatives from various segments of society in attendance.
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh had a telephone conversation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (October 1). They discussed the progress of economic integration projects between their countries as well as regional and international issues.
On Saturday (September 28), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahmoud Ali Youssouf held talks with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly.
Eritrea
Osman Saleh Mohammed, Eritrea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, addressed the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday (September 30).
Somalia
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre delivered a keynote speech at the general debate at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday (September 28). On the sidelines of the Assembly, he also met with U.S. President Joe Biden and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Africa and the Africa Union
The Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, participated on Wednesday (October 2) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) strategy review retreat. He discussed achievements, challenges, prospects, and the future of the partnership with Afreximbank.
The African Union launched the African Cooperatives Centre (ACC) during an event hosted by the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, on Friday (September 27). This strategic initiative aims to promote the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) across Africa, prioritizing workforce welfare over profit and addressing the need for institutional support to advance this approach.
The African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (ESSGI) and the Nigerian embassy, launched a training course in Addis Ababa on Monday (September 30) to maximize international space cooperation.
President Sahlework Attends AU-UNESCO Forum on Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future
President Sahlework Zewde attended the opening ceremony of a three-day international forum organized by the African Union Commission and UNESCO, which commenced in Addis Ababa on Monday (September 30).
In her opening address, she underscored the importance of utilizing Africa’s indigenous knowledge as a means to inspire global solidarity and contribute to a just and equitable global system. She pointed out that tapping into Africa’s rich reservoirs of knowledge—encompassing music, literature, and art—can effectively challenge stereotypes about the continent.
The President emphasized that Africa possesses abundant yet untapped potential, with knowledge serving as the key to unlocking these resources for the benefit of all. As a youthful continent, Africa is positioned to respond swiftly to new circumstances and innovations by harnessing its wealth of talent and creativity.
President Sahlework highlighted the need for a fundamental change in approach to overcome challenges. Instead of relying on small adjustments or external prescriptions, Africa must harness its indigenous knowledge to establish meaningful solidarity with the global community.
She acknowledged the existing challenges within Africa’s education system and reflected on how knowledge has historically been weaponized against the continent, resulting in long-lasting consequences. Colonial education systems, she noted, presented a version of history that minimized or ignored African perspectives, emphasizing the supposed benefits of colonial rule while undermining African self-esteem and identity.
The President pointed out that African cultures and social systems have often been misrepresented as primitive, necessitating a so-called civilizing mission. This misrepresentation was facilitated by disguising racism as scientific knowledge, with pseudo-scientific theories used to legitimize slavery, colonization, and racial segregation.
Furthermore, the weaponization of knowledge has subjugated Africa’s social, economic, educational, and political systems. Consequently, Africa stands at a critical juncture, requiring a transformation of its education systems to promote effective knowledge transfer for the continent’s betterment.
The future of Africa cannot be envisioned without directly addressing the harmful legacies associated with knowledge. The President called for a departure from the traditional transfer of knowledge that favors one region over another, advocating instead for a transformation that empowers everyone.
To realize this ambitious transformation, there is a pressing need to revive the principles of Pan-Africanism. This concept must be better defined and embraced by the new generation, as it is sometimes misinterpreted.
Both the organizers and participants of the forum have called for an implementation phase that goes beyond mere promises and agreements. The forum is part of the work of the International Commission on the Futures of Education, established by UNESCO in 2019 and chaired by President Sahlework.
The Commission aims to foster global solidarity and international cooperation in education through its flagship dialogues and reports, such as the 2021 guiding report titled “Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education.” This report has been translated into over 15 languages, including Amharic and Kiswahili, to facilitate contextualized policy use.
Ethiopia Advocates for Stronger UN Role and Multilateral Cooperation at the High-Level Week of the 79th Session of the General Assembly
A high-level delegation led by Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the FDRE, participated in the High-Level Week of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held from September 24-30 in New York.
This year’s session holds particular importance as it represents a critical milestone in the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and revitalizes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme for the General Debate, “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” underscores the urgent need for collaborative action among nations.
During the General Debate on Saturday (September 28), Ambassador Taye emphasized Ethiopia’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the UN’s critical role in addressing global challenges. He expressed concern about the UN’s struggles to fulfill its peace and security mandates amid rising global tensions. Ambassador Taye called for urgent reforms to the UN Security Council to improve Africa’s representation and address historical injustices, noting that Africa’s exclusion from key decision-making processes undermines the Council’s effectiveness.
He also underscored the importance of harmonizing the UN’s Agenda 2030 with Africa’s Agenda 2063, urging Member States to mobilize the necessary financial resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He highlighted Ethiopia’s achievements in poverty eradication and economic reform, as well as the success story of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative. While announcing the entry into force of the Cooperative Framework Agreement of the Nile River Basin (CFA) and the energy production of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s continued commitment to playing a constructive role in ensuring the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River.
Furthermore, he underscored Ethiopia’s legitimate interests, including maritime security concerns in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, calling for renewed cooperation to combat piracy and illicit activities. Regarding the security situation in the Horn of Africa, the Minister highlighted the growing threat posed by terror groups like Al-Shabab and its international affiliates, while also stressing the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Ethiopia and other troop-contributing countries to stabilize Somalia.
On the margins of the General Debate, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie also participated in the annual BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting convened by Brazil in its capacity as the incoming Chair of BRICS, as well as in the opening session of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie also conducted a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly. He held constructive meetings with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Undersecretary-General for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs, and the Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations.
The Minister also engaged in fruitful discussions with the Foreign Ministers and other high-level officials of various countries. These discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including regional peace, trade, security, and climate change, reflecting Ethiopia’s commitment to building strong international partnerships.
Other ministerial-level members of the Ethiopian delegation, including Berhanu Nega, Minister of Education, Belete Mola, Minister of Technology and Innovation, and Mekedes Daba, Minister of Health, also represented Ethiopia at various high-level side meetings and events organized on global governance, climate finance, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, antimicrobial resistance, and non-communicable diseases.
The United Nations also awarded Ethiopia in recognition of its significant accomplishments in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. The Ethiopian delegation’s active participation also extended to other high-level and ministerial meetings, including the Group of 77 and China, Least Developed Countries, and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), among others. These engagements reflect Ethiopia’s role and commitment to the collective efforts undertaken to address a wide range of global and regional challenges.
The High-Level Week of the 79th UNGA and its preceding Summit of the Future offered Ethiopia a crucial platform to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and enhanced regional and global cooperation to collectively address both current crises and future challenges.
Ethiopia calls for a Reformed, Inclusive and Representative Multilateral System at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York
The BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting took place in New York on Thursday (September 26) on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, led the Ethiopian delegation participating in this annual meeting, which was convened by Brazil in its capacity as the incoming Chair of BRICS.
During the meeting, the Ministers discussed major global and regional issues, as well as various United Nations agendas covering topics such as political, security, economic, financial, and sustainable development. They also exchanged views on cooperation within the BRICS framework.
In his address, Minister Taye underscored that countries of the Global South advocate for an equitable world order that safeguards the interests of developing nations. While commending the BRICS platform for facilitating enhanced collaboration to effectively tackle global challenges, he stressed the need to intensify calls for reform toward inclusive and responsive multilateralism.
Ambassador Taye emphasized that comprehensive reform of the United Nations and the global financial architecture is crucial. He outlined that the reform of global financial institutions should focus on finding better ways to finance development needs and enhancing the voices of developing countries. He also highlighted the importance of a reformed Security Council, giving special priority to Africa’s representation to make it more credible, legitimate, and capable of addressing global challenges.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers further exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place from October 22-24, 2024, in Kazan, Russian Federation. Brazil, which will assume the presidency of BRICS in 2025, also briefed the session on its plans and priorities for its chairmanship.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Holds Bilateral Meetings on the Margins of UNGA79
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie conducted a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting regional peace and security, and addressing global challenges.
During these discussions, Ambassador Taye addressed key issues, including the Nile River Cooperative Framework Agreement, the ongoing crisis in Sudan, the situation in Somalia, and the post-ATMIS arrangement, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and integration.
A key highlight of the meetings was the discussion of bilateral relations. Ambassador Taye met with foreign ministers from Algeria, South Sudan, China, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, Greece, Sierra Leone, India, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. He reiterated Ethiopia’s strong ties with these countries and expressed a desire to deepen these relationships through increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
With Algeria, he discussed the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Algeria, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to secure regional peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond. The two sides also discussed ongoing preparations to convene the 5th Ethio-Algeria Joint Ministerial Commission meeting.
In his meeting with South Sudan, Ambassador Taye congratulated the country for ratifying the Nile River Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), noting this historic decision as a reflection of the South Sudanese people’s desire for equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River. Both sides agreed to collaborate on implementing the CFA.
During discussions with China, Ambassador Taye mentioned the recent signing of key agreements at the 4th FOCAC Summit in Beijing, which significantly bolstered the multifaceted ties between Ethiopia and China. Foreign Minister Yi commended Ethiopia’s key role in regional and African affairs, highlighting the continued significance of the “All Weather Strategic Partnership” agreement.
With the United States, Ambassador Taye briefed the Assistant Secretary on the situation in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to working toward sustainable peace and security in the region. The U.S. reaffirmed its continued commitment to collaborate with Ethiopia in fighting terrorism and maintaining peace and security.
In discussions with Rwanda and Uganda, the ministers exchanged views on their unified stance regarding the fair and equitable utilization of water resources on the Nile. They also stressed the need for a careful and comprehensive consideration of important issues before any post-ATMIS arrangement is decided, particularly in relation to the security situation in Somalia.
Ambassador Taye addressed the broader security situation in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the challenges posed by terrorism. He highlighted Ethiopia’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, including its contributions to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
In meetings with Greece and Sierra Leone, he briefed officials on current affairs in the Horn of Africa and the importance of maintaining security gains achieved through regional cooperation and international investment. Ambassador Taye stressed that the post-ATMIS mission should be carefully deliberated, considering all aspects of the mission, including its mandate, size, financing, and coordination.
Discussions with India focused on key bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest, while meetings with Denmark and the United Arab Emirates addressed ongoing peace and security issues in the Horn of Africa. Throughout these discussions, Ambassador Taye underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River and expressed support for the upcoming Nile Summit to be hosted by Uganda, emphasizing the Agreement’s importance in ensuring sustainable development and promoting cooperation among the riparian states.
Regarding the post-ATMIS arrangement, the Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of a careful and deliberate process in determining the future of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
In a meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, he praised the contributions of Ethiopian peacekeeping troops and the strong relationship Ethiopia maintains with the UN and the Department of Peace Operations. Ambassador Taye reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to combating terrorism, emphasizing that any post-ATMIS arrangement should be meticulously considered in terms of its mandate, size, financing, and coordination.
Finally, during a discussion with Lord Collins of Highbury, Ambassador Taye briefed him on current developments in the Horn of Africa and affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peace, development, and regional integration. They both highlighted the importance of focusing on economic development as a vehicle for promoting regional integration, agreeing that long-term sustainable peace in the region guarantees flourishing trade and attracts investment inflows.
Ambassador Taye’s meetings at the margins of the UNGA further solidified Ethiopia’s position as a key player in regional and international affairs, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and development in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Ethiopia Calls for Cooperation in Response to Egyptian Concerns at the 79th Session of the UNGA
At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the UN, delivered a robust Right of Reply in response to a statement made by Egypt’s representative regarding Ethiopia’s development initiatives, particularly the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Sunday (September 29).
Ambassador Yoseph responded to Egypt’s extensive remarks by summarizing them as a categorical rejection of Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance its citizens’ quality of life. He highlighted the intrinsic link between Ethiopia and Egypt, not through borders but through the Nile River, which he described as a “solemn nexus” between the two countries. “We believe the Nile is a sacred bond that should bring shared peace and prosperity,” he remarked, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering harmony rather than conflict.
Exercising right of reply against the statement delivered by the representative of Egypt during the General Debate of the 79TH session of the UNGA, Ambassador Yoseph pointed out how Egypt’s position undermines the universally accepted principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources.
He asserted Ethiopia’s right to utilize its own resources for the benefit of its people, particularly noting the significant contributions of the GERD, which is financed entirely by Ethiopian resources, to provide electricity and enhance regional integration through energy trade and connectivity. “More than half of our 120 million population needs access to clean water and electricity,” he pointed out, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these basic needs.
He called out Egypt for advocating a monopolistic approach rooted in colonial-era agreements, arguing that such stances undermine international principles of water resource management. “Ethiopia will continue pursuing its development on the River Abay based on equitable and reasonable utilization of the resource,” he affirmed, expressing hope that Egypt would eventually abandon its colonial-based policies and embrace a more cooperative framework for shared development.
In conclusion, Ethiopia reinforced the message that cooperation, not conflict, is the path forward for all riparian states of the Nile. The ambassador’s remarks serve as a call for unity and dialogue in addressing the shared challenges of water resource management in the region.
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