Ministry of Foreign Affairs Celebrates “Day of Harmony” with Great Fanfare
Ethiopia Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights and Nationally Owned Reform at HRC63
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday (September 10) inaugurated the first phase of a 60-hectare modern logistics hub in Mojo, equipped to handle up to one million 20-foot containers annually. The digitally enabled center, featuring Ethiopia’s first Rail-Mounted Gantry crane, is set to advance AfCFTA goals, strengthen regional trade, and deepen economic integration.
Prime Minister Abiy and First Lady Zinash Tayachew, together with senior government officials, marked the conclusion of the 2026 Green Legacy Initiative by jointly planting seedlings under the theme “Let Us Plant Hope.” The campaign reflects Ethiopia’s unity, renaissance, and commitment to sustainable development as we move forward through collective efforts.
In a message marking the 24th African Union Day on Wednesday (September 9), Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast role in Africa’s continental journey from the OAU to the AU, with Addis Ababa serving as the home of the continental Union.
On the same day, in connection with the upcoming Ethiopian New Year celebration for 2019 E.C., Prime Minister Abiy presented holiday gifts to employees of the Office of the Prime Minister and educational supplies to children supported by the office.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos received U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia on Friday (September 4). The two sides discussed strengthening Ethiopia–U.S. bilateral relations, including trade, investment and commercial ties, as well as regional peace and security issues of mutual interest.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its affiliated institutions celebrated Day of Harmony on Wednesday (September 9) under the theme “Diversity Is Ethiopia’s Beauty.” The occasion featured discussions on national unity, solidarity and inclusive development, charitable initiatives and a blood donation program. Ethiopian Embassies and consulates also marked the day with colorful celebrations. (See article)
Co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Sport, a New Year greeting program has been launched over the week at various foreign embassies based in Addis Ababa. The program which aims to promote Ethiopia’s New Year traditions and enable diplomats based in the country to celebrate the occasion with Ethiopians, thereby welcoming the New Year with a renewed spirit and a sense of togetherness covered over 50 embassies.
Ethiopia’s delegation participated in the 3rd BRICS Sherpa/Sous Sherpa Meeting, hosted in New Delhi under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship on Monday ( September 7). Under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” Ethiopia emphasized the importance of strategic deliberations aimed at advancing collective efforts towards a more effective, inclusive, equitable and balanced international order.
Ethiopia and Israel held strategic consultations in Jerusalem on Thursday (September 10), addressing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The Ethiopian delegation was led by Director General of the Situation Room, Zerubabel Getachew. The consultations included an agreement to further institutionalize the strategic consultation mechanism.
Addressing the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC63) on Tuesday (September 8), Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and to nationally owned reforms advancing peace, democratic governance, the rule of law, accountability and national reconciliation. (See article)
Djibouti
President Ismail Omar Guelleh met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday (September 9) on the sidelines of the International Space Summit in Paris. They discussed strengthening Djibouti-France ties and cooperation in defence and security, education, research, training and economic development, as well as issues concerning the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Kenya
President William Ruto received Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan at State House Nairobi on Tuesday (September 8). They noted the strong and mutually beneficial ties between Kenya and Japan and discussed addressing climate change, expanding clean and sustainable energy cooperation, and deepening trade and investment relations for the benefit of their two peoples.
Africa and the African Union
On African Union Day on Wednesday (September 9), AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for renewed commitment to Pan-Africanism, unity and solidarity, reaffirming the AU’s vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa. He underscored the importance of African agency, continental integration, peace and security, and Africa’s rightful place in global decision-making, while emphasizing that progress must translate into improved quality of life for all Africans.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Celebrates “Day of Harmony” with Great Fanfare
Senior officials and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its affiliated institutions celebrated this year’s “Day of Harmony” under the theme “Diversity Is Ethiopia’s Beauty” on Wednesday (September 9).
In his opening remarks, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adam Tesfaye, delivered a message on behalf of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, noting that this year’s “Day of Harmony” was particularly significant for several reasons.
He highlighted that the country had recently concluded a general election marked by high levels of public participation and was on the eve of the formation of a new government. He also noted that the National Dialogue Conference, convened to foster national consensus, had concluded, with preparations underway to implement its outcomes. He further underscored that the year was drawing to a close after Ethiopia had registered significant achievements across various sectors, including infrastructure, the economy, environmental protection and diplomacy.
Adam noted that Ethiopia’s calendar was among the distinctive features that set the country apart, with Ethiopians observing a 13-month calendar. In recent years, he said, the days of the 13th month, Pagume, had been commemorated under themes reflecting multinational unity, togetherness, peace, renewal, resilience and other national values.
He explained that this year’s five days of Pagume were being observed under the overarching theme “Ethiopia’s Revival,” with each day assigned a distinct theme: Pagume 1 as the Day of Breakthrough, Pagume 2 as the Day of Renewal, Pagume 3 as the Day of Resilience, Pagume 4 as the Day of Harmony, and Pagume 5 as the Day of the Future.
He described “harmony” as reflecting the coexistence and compatibility of diverse characteristics, practices, ideas and forms of beauty, as well as mutual understanding and affection. The longstanding tradition of Ethiopians living together in harmony, he emphasized, has been a foundation for the country’s resilience, renewal, progress and future.
The Chief of Staff noted that the celebration of this year’s Pagume days was primarily focused on conveying a message of prosperity, hope and vision for Ethiopia’s comprehensive development.
In this context, he called on everyone to highlight the beauty of diversity and the unity it embodies, promote Ethiopia’s cultures and values, foster a spirit of togetherness and mutual understanding, strengthen peace through greater awareness of diversity and coexistence, take pride in the country’s diversity, and make benevolence a lasting value.
He underscored that Ethiopians are a people enriched by a proud history, natural and man-made resources, social values, bonds of kinship and numerous shared identities. “Our diversity is our beauty, and our beauty is our unity,” he emphasized, noting that Ethiopia’s diversity constitutes a significant capacity and resource in the collective effort to build a better Ethiopia and a better future for its children.
Turning to the significance of the New Year for employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its affiliated institutions, Adam described it as a time of renewal, a new beginning, new opportunities and renewed hope. He said the Ministry’s employees should build on the diplomatic achievements recorded during the past year, strengthen ongoing efforts and strive to achieve further successes in the new year.
He expressed his confidence that the new year would be a period of continued diplomatic achievements and greater progress in Ethiopia’s diplomatic endeavors. He further stressed the need to embrace new perspectives, acquire new skills and adopt improved working methods in order to achieve enhanced diplomatic results.
Addressing the Ministry’s social responsibility efforts, Adam emphasized that mutual assistance, solidarity, togetherness, cooperation and generosity are among the defining features of Ethiopian society. Supporting relatives, colleagues, neighbors and others facing hardship through moral, financial or material assistance, he noted, is a valued cultural practice that reflects human dignity and solidarity.
He stated that an initiative launched by the Ministry to support nine children as part of its social responsibility efforts has now expanded to supporting and raising 33 children. Beyond providing holiday gifts and material support to these children in the new year, he underscored the Ministry’s commitment to standing by them as one family through a spirit of togetherness, social connectedness and spiritual unity. To further promote compassion and unity, the Ministry donated food supplies and other materials to families and children it supports, as well as 1.116 million birr for the 2019 Ethiopian budget year to support the 33 children under its care. Employees of the Ministry and its affiliated institutions also participated in a blood donation program to commemorate the day.
Adam also called on colleagues, families and the children present at the celebration to reaffirm collectively that the Ministry’s support and solidarity would continue. He also extended his heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of himself and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to all those who contributed to these efforts and called for their continued and strengthened engagement.
Concluding his remarks, Adam expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the program and wished for the coming year to be a year of peace, health, wisdom, success, blessings, love, beauty, happiness, hope, renewal, revival, dignity and prosperity.
On the occasion, a special panel discussion held as part of the celebrations featured extensive discussions on national unity and multinationalism. Participants emphasized the importance of harnessing the country’s diverse cultural and national identities not as a source of division, but as a major asset and resource for national strength and shared development.
The event also demonstrated the commitment of diplomats and staff of the Ministry, as well as employees of affiliated institutions, to building a shared national vision and promoting inclusivity across institutional activities. Ethiopian embassies, permanent representative offices, and consulates also marked the day with colorful celebrations.
Ethiopia Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights and Nationally Owned Reform at HRC63
Ethiopia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and to nationally owned reforms aimed at advancing peace, democratic governance, the rule of law, accountability and national reconciliation.
Addressing the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC63) under Item 2, on Tuesday (September 8) Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, highlighted the country’s recent democratic and peacebuilding milestones.
Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew underscored the successful conduct of Ethiopia’s seventh national election in June 2026 and the conclusion of the historic and inclusive National Dialogue, describing these developments as important foundations for advancing transitional justice through a nationally owned process that takes into account Ethiopia’s specific circumstances and realities.
The Permanent Representative also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in Pretoria in November 2022, stressing the importance of preserving the integrity of the Agreement and urging the international community to oppose actions that could undermine the progress made towards lasting peace.
On the country’s broader reform efforts, Ambassador Tsegab emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, civic participation and institutional capacity. He also underscored the importance of constructive engagement, dialogue, cooperation and capacity-building with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other international partners.
Ethiopia further reiterated that international human rights engagement should be guided by the principles of objectivity, impartiality, non-selectivity, national ownership and sovereign equality. It stressed the need to avoid selective and politicized approaches that could undermine nationally owned reform processes and constructive international cooperation.
As an active Member of the Human Rights Council, Ethiopia continues to contribute constructively to the Council’s work. The country serves on the Council Bureau, holds the position of Vice-President of the Human Rights Council, and chairs the Council’s Accessibility Task Force, contributing to efforts to promote a more inclusive, effective and accessible multilateral human rights system.
The 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 7 September to 7 October 2026. The session brings together Member States and other stakeholders to deliberate on a broad range of human rights, development, peace and security issues and to consider resolutions and decisions under the Council’s various agenda items.
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