Ethiopia Finalizes Preparations to Host UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake
Ethiopia Presents Its Review Report on the SDGs in New York
Ethiopia Hosts Diplomacy Training for Young African Diplomats
Ethiopian Delegation Highlights Digital Transformation at the 25th HoAI Ministers Meeting
Media and Ideas Matter: Ethiopia Backs Stronger BRICS Voice for the Global South
NEWS IN BRIEF
President Taye Atseke Selassie bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassadors of Tunisia and Zambia on Wednesday (July 23) at his office. The President expressed appreciation for their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between their countries and Ethiopia throughout their service.
Ethiopia is completing final preparations to host the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) from 27 to 29 July 2025 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa. Co-hosted by the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy, the summit will convene heads of state and government, ministers, UN officials, researchers, youth representatives, civil society organizations, private sector actors, Indigenous Peoples, and producers from around the world. (See article)
Ethiopia presented its review report on the implementation of the SDGs at the 2025 edition of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). HLPF is held under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind” on July 14-24 in New York. This year’s HLPF reviewed progress on five Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (See article)
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide stated on Tuesday (July 22) that Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform agenda has delivered sustainable and inclusive growth across all sectors. Speaking at the Ethiopian Finance Conference’s Private Sector Forum, the minister highlighted progress in agriculture, tourism, mining, industry, and services, alongside improved foreign exchange earnings and reduced inflation.
State Minister Ambassador Hadera Abera and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye met with U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht on Tuesday (July 22) for a substantive discussion on key regional issues. The meeting focused on joint efforts to combat terrorism, prevent human trafficking, and address other pressing regional challenges.
Ambassador Hadera received the Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese, at his office on Thursday (July 24). The two sides also exchanged views on regional peace and security issues of common interest.
Ambassador Berhanu held talks with UAE Ambassador to Ethiopia Mohamed Salem Alrashedi on Monday (July 21), focusing on strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries. The discussion covered key areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors.
A three-day diplomatic training on diplomacy and international relations, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), for young diplomats from East African countries concluded in Addis Ababa last week on Friday (July 18). The training aimed to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties across the Horn of Africa and the broader East African region.(See article)
In a world where narratives shape power, Ethiopia is making it clear: media and think tanks have a vital role to play in strengthening the BRICS alliance and empowering the Global South. Speaking recently to Xinhua, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that BRICS is no longer just an emerging voice; it’s fast becoming a central pillar in global affairs. With its growing influence and expanded membership, BRICS has the potential to push forward a more inclusive and equitable international order. (See article)
An Ethiopian cultural troupe comprising 70 members is in China for a week, having arrived on Sunday (July 20), as the first stop in a world tour aimed at promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage. The delegation, traveling under the theme “Kin Ethiopia: Ethiopia Rising,” will present performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges in various countries.
Djibouti
On Tuesday (July 22), the Ethio-Djibouti Railway officially launched green electric vehicle (EV) transport, marking a step toward sustainable logistics. The initiative aims to reduce costs for importers, support Ethiopia’s Green Economy Initiative, and lower the carbon footprint.
Kenya
Finance ministers from across the Horn of Africa convened in Nairobi on Monday (July 14) for the 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), with digital connectivity and integration high on the agenda. Hosted at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters, the meeting brought together finance ministers and high-level representatives from member states and development partners to assess progress and accelerate momentum on digital transformation across the region. (See article)
IGAD, in collaboration with the Kenyan government, convened the Regional Forum of Eminent Personalities for Peace on Thursday (July 24) in Nairobi to advance dialogue and preventive diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
Africa and the African Union
A high-level event on “A Sustainable Ocean Economy” was held in New York on Tuesday (July 22), co-organized by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) at the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer Mission. African Union Commission (AUC) Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi attended and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to ocean health as a key priority under Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ethiopia Finalizes Preparations to Host UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake
Ethiopia is completing final preparations to host the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) from 27 to 29 July 2025 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa. Co-hosted by the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy, the summit will convene heads of state and government, ministers, UN officials, researchers, youth representatives, civil society organizations, private sector actors, Indigenous Peoples, and producers from around the world.
The three-day gathering represents a critical milestone in the global effort to transform food systems in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. It comes four years after the first UN Food Systems Summit in 2021 and serves as a moment to assess progress, share lessons learned, and drive forward collective action toward resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems.
The official summit programme will be preceded by an Action Day on Sunday (July 27). The day will feature field visits to rural areas in Ethiopia that demonstrate integrated and locally led food systems transformation. Participants will witness first-hand how communities are addressing food security, nutrition, and climate resilience through innovative approaches. In addition to the field visits, a high-level Youth Event and Coffee Seminar will be held at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa.
Over the following two days, the summit will include high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, thematic panels, and stakeholder dialogues. Key areas of focus will include unlocking financing for food systems transformation, advancing rights-based and climate-smart solutions, promoting equity and inclusion, and supporting the resilience of smallholder farmers and local communities. The event will also feature side events, investment dialogues, and small and medium enterprise (SME) engagement opportunities.
Ethiopia’s role as host highlights its commitment to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation. The country has introduced a number of transformative food and climate initiatives in recent years, including a national push for wheat self-sufficiency, the Green Legacy reforestation campaign, and investments in irrigation and agro-industrial development. As a result, Ethiopia is increasingly recognized as a leading voice on food systems innovation and a hub for South-South cooperation.
Outcomes from the UNFSS+4 will feed into other major global processes later in the year, including the UN General Assembly, the UN Environment Assembly, COP30, and the World Food Forum. A stocktaking report from the UN Secretary-General, a summary of progress by non-state actors, and a Chair’s Summary will provide a roadmap for accelerating implementation over the next five years.
Ethiopia Presents Its Review Report on the SDGs in New York
Ethiopia presented its review report on the implementation of the SDGs at the 2025 edition of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). HLPF is held under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind” on July 14-24 in New York. This year’s HLPF reviewed progress on five Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development, in presenting Ethiopia’s report, emphasized key achievements across the five goals selected for review. Accordingly, she noted that, with 158 targets covered, significant accomplishments were seen in food security, social protection, economic growth, and productivity.
Ethiopia’s achievements in agricultural productivity, including through irrigated heat-resistant wheat farming, and its role in ending hunger and ensuring food security took centre stage. Progress in access to education at lower levels with targeted investment in pre-primary schools that have quadrupled was also noted. Expansion of school feeding programs resulting in a decrease in school dropouts was similarly underscored. Under SDG Goal 3, Fitsum pointed out the reduction in maternal mortality rate to 195 per 100,000 live births and decline in under-five mortality to 47 per 1,000 live births. The Community-Based Health Insurance program, which now covers 63 million people, is recognized for its role in achieving universal health coverage.
Under SDG 5 on Gender Equality, notable progress is reported in achieving women’s representation in positions of public administration with near gender parity at the Council of Ministers and the House of People’s Representatives. Promulgation of laws in rural land certification ending discrimination is also marked as progress for its role in the empowerment of women.
In the area of climate change, Ethiopia showcased its Green Legacy Initiative that saw the planting of over 40 billion seedlings over the past six years, which led to expansion of Ethiopia’s forest coverage to 24 percent. Progress in electricity access that has tripled, and all-weather road networks that have doubled, are also reported.
The VNR report outlined challenges Ethiopia, along with other developing countries, face in the implementation of the SDGs. These include inadequate youth employment, fiscal constraints, climate shocks, global price volatility, and declining development assistance. Several speakers praised Ethiopia’s progress and recommended measures in the fields of job creation and health finance.
This year’s HLPF, which was conducted at the heels of the Seville Conference on Financing for Development, deliberated on the global mobilization needed towards meaningful change in the achievement of Agenda 2030. The 2025 SDG report issued by the UN Secretary-General indicates only 35 percent of the 137 SDG targets are on track, while progress is insufficient on 47 percent of the targets, and 18 percent show regression. Africa is in need of special acceleration efforts for its implementation. The means of implementation also show an annual 4 trillion USD financing gap with ODA showing a 7 percent decline.
The Secretary-General of the UN, in launching the report, alarmed the international community on the regressions and appealed for urgent multilateralism to apply the available tools in alleviating poverty. To reverse the negative trajectory, key interventions are needed in closing the digital divide, skills development, women empowerment, increasing investment in human capital, and evidence-based policymaking. Revitalizing multilateralism also strongly resonated across several statements.
Ethiopia Hosts Diplomacy Training for Young African Diplomats
A three-day diplomatic training on diplomacy and international relations, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), for young diplomats from East African countries concluded in Addis Ababa last week on Friday (July 18). The training aimed to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties across the Horn of Africa and the broader East African region.
The primary objective of the program was to strengthen the capacity of diplomats by equipping them with the essential skills to address complex global and regional challenges, while safeguarding Africa’s strategic interests on the international stage. The training focused on critical areas including the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa, peacebuilding, and diplomacy in a multipolar world.
In his opening remarks, Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of IFA, underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and the importance of fostering dialogue, trust, and cooperation among African nations. He encouraged participants to view the program as the foundation of their diplomatic careers and to cultivate the relationships forged during the training into enduring partnerships.
The program also included site visits to major development corridors in Addis Ababa, designed to give the young diplomats practical exposure to key national infrastructure projects. These visits offered insights into Ethiopia’s development agenda and highlighted the country’s potential as a leading African destination for tourism and investment
The training brought together diplomats from Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of African diplomacy and regional cooperation. Many lauded Ethiopia’s leadership and commitment to Pan-Africanism, emphasizing that the training contributes to advancing Africa’s long-term vision by fostering greater political, economic, and social integration across the continent.
In the closing ceremony, Abebe Mebratu, Chief of Staff to the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement among neighboring countries. He reiterated the value of such initiatives in strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties across the region. Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of the IFA, also extended his gratitude to the participants and encouraged them to maintain the networks and relationships formed during the training.
The program concluded with a formal certificate ceremony recognizing the participating diplomats’ successful completion of the training. This milestone marks a significant step forward in advancing regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Ethiopian Delegation Highlights Digital Transformation at the 25th HoAI Ministers Meeting
Finance ministers from across the Horn of Africa convened in Nairobi on Monday (July 14) for the 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI), with digital connectivity and integration high on the agenda. Hosted at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters, the meeting brought together finance ministers and high-level representatives from member states and development partners to assess progress and accelerate momentum on digital transformation across the region.
Participants received updates on the Digital Integration and Policy Matrix, adopted in 2023, which sets key performance benchmarks for digital transformation in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia was recognized among the top performers in the region for its significant strides in digital reform and implementation.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Ethiopia, Eyob Tekalign, State Minister of Finance, highlighted the country’s substantial progress in implementing its digital agenda. He noted several milestones including the liberalization of the telecom sector, the enactment of personal data protection and cybersecurity legislation, the rapid expansion of national fiber-optic infrastructure, and the registration of over 19 million citizens under a national digital ID system.
Eyob also emphasized the transformative impact of Telebirr, a mobile money platform, which now boasts over 54 million users and has facilitated transactions totaling 4.6 trillion Birr. This growth, he said, demonstrates Ethiopia’s strong momentum in financial inclusion and digital financial services.
Beyond national progress, Ethiopia also reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation. Eyob called for enhanced coordination on cross-border energy infrastructure, digital trade, and regulatory harmonization. He thanked development partners, including the AfDB and the World Bank, for their ongoing support in advancing regional integration.
The meeting underscored the growing consensus among HoAI member states that digital integration is essential for inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience. Ministers highlighted the need to strengthen regional digital ecosystems, invest in infrastructure, build digital skills, and accelerate the rollout of interoperable ID systems and digital public services.
The Horn of Africa Initiative, launched in 2019, serves as a platform to promote coordinated investment and policy action in one of Africa’s interconnected regions.
Media and Ideas Matter: Ethiopia Backs Stronger BRICS Voice for the Global South
In a world where narratives shape power, Ethiopia is making it clear: media and think tanks have a vital role to play in strengthening the BRICS alliance and empowering the Global South. Speaking recently to Xinhua, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that BRICS is no longer just an emerging voice; it’s fast becoming a central pillar in global affairs. With its growing influence and expanded membership, BRICS has the potential to push forward a more inclusive and equitable international order.
Ambassador Nebiat pointed out that the media, far from being a passive observer, is a driving force behind how BRICS is understood and engaged with by the world. “As a platform for cooperation and fair governance, BRICS needs strong media support to fulfill its potential,” he said.
He stressed the importance of creating accurate, positive narratives around BRICS not only to counter misinformation, but also to build bridges between people in different regions. “The media must help foster cultural, artistic, and humanitarian ties,” Ambassador Nebiat said, especially given the geographic distance between member countries.
This message was front and center at the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, held in Rio de Janeiro under the theme “BRICS United: Forging a New Chapter for the Global South.” The high-level event drew more than 250 representatives from 150 media outlets, think tanks, and regional organizations from across 36 countries.
Ambassador Nebiat called on BRICS nations to support their media institutions and invest in storytelling that reflects the bloc’s collective aspirations including the fight against global threats such as climate change, poverty, terrorism, and inequality.
He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding media partnerships with BRICS countries. “To truly build solidarity across the Global South, we must strengthen our media cooperation and promote diverse voices,” he said.
In an era when global narratives often originate from a few dominant centers, Ethiopia’s message is clear: it’s time for the Global South to speak and to be heard through its own stories, institutions, and voices.
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