More than 70 ambassadors, United Nations representatives and development partners from over 40 embassies and organizations visited Ethiopia’s iconic Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, reaffirming a shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage, strengthening international cooperation and ensuring that World Heritage contributes to sustainable development and local communities.Organized by the UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Amhara Regional Government, the Lalibela City Administration and the Sustainable Lalibela Project supported by the Government of France, the two-day visit provided an opportunity for diplomatic and development partners to engage directly with one of Ethiopia’s most important cultural and spiritual heritage sites.Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978, the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela represent an exceptional achievement of medieval architecture and remain a living centre of worship, pilgrimage and cultural expression. The visit highlighted the importance of safeguarding not only the physical structures, but also the communities, traditions and cultural practices that sustain Lalibela as a living heritage site.Strengthening resilience through partnershipsThe visit provided an opportunity for participants to better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in conserving and sustainably managing Lalibela. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between government institutions, heritage custodians, local communities, development partners and international organizations. UNESCO has worked closely with the Government of Ethiopia and partners for decades to support the conservation, protection and sustainable management of Lalibela. Through technical cooperation, capacity development and international partnerships, UNESCO contributes to safeguarding the site's Outstanding Universal Value while supporting efforts to ensure that heritage conservation contributes to local development and livelihoods.The engagement also showcased ongoing initiatives supporting Lalibela’s recovery and revitalization following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges affecting tourism and local livelihoods. These efforts demonstrate how investment in cultural heritage can contribute to resilience, sustainable tourism, local economic opportunities and the long-term wellbeing of communities.Culture as a platform for cooperation and peaceThe visit further demonstrated the role of cultural heritage as a platform for dialogue, mutual understanding and international cooperation. Bringing together diplomatic representatives, UN organizations, development partners, government institutions, religious custodians and local stakeholders created space for dialogue around a shared responsibility: protecting heritage for present and future generations.By connecting international partners with local communities and heritage custodians, the visit reinforced the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches to heritage governance and conservation.The engagement reaffirmed that safeguarding World Heritage is not solely a conservation responsibility. It requires sustained partnerships, collective action and dialogue among diverse stakeholders, while ensuring that the cultural, social and economic benefits of heritage reach the communities who are its custodians.Looking aheadThe Lalibela visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation around the protection and sustainable management of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. It also highlighted the potential of heritage to contribute to resilience, sustainable development, cultural diplomacy and peaceful cooperation.Through continued collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, local communities and national and international partners, UNESCO remains committed to supporting efforts to safeguard Lalibela’s Outstanding Universal Value and ensure that its cultural, spiritual and economic significance continues to benefit generations to come.

For most of his life, Mohamed Sheikh Ahmed could never imagine earning a steady salary, let alone supervising construction teams.When conflict erupted in Somalia in 1991, Mohamed was just a teenager. Like thousands of others fleeing violence and uncertainty, he crossed into Ethiopia and found refuge in Kebribeyah Refugee Camp. What he thought would be a temporary stay became a lifetime. More than three decades later, Kebribeyah is still home.“I arrived here in 1991 after the war,” Mohamed recalls. “At the time, we had no choice but to leave everything behind.” Over the years, Mohamed built a family in the camp. He married, raised eight children and did his best to support them. But opportunities were scarce. Like many refugees, he depended mainly on humanitarian assistance and occasional daily labour jobs whenever work was available.“Sometimes I worked on construction sites as a casual labourer,” he says. “Other times there was no work at all.” Everything changed when he heard about a vocational training opportunity under the European Union-funded Advancing Refugee Inclusion in Somali Region (ARISR) project, implemented by UNHCR and its partners.At first, Mohamed was simply looking for a chance to improve his situation. What he found was the beginning of a new career.He enrolled in a foremanship training programme delivered through Jigjiga Polytechnic College at the Satellite TVET Centre in Kebribeyah. The course provided practical skills in construction supervision, workplace safety, electrical installation and basic building techniques. Mohamed embraced the opportunity with determination.“I knew this was a chance I could not miss,” he says. “I wanted to learn something that could change my life.” His commitment quickly stood out.After successfully completing the training and passing a series of assessments, Mohamed was recruited by Save the Environment Ethiopia (SeE), a partner implementing housing projects in the area. Today, he works as a Foreman Supervisor, overseeing construction activities and supporting teams of workers building homes for refugee and host communities.The job has transformed his family's future.Mohamed now earns a monthly salary, a significant improvement from the irregular income he once relied on. For the first time in years, he can plan ahead, provide stability for his children and meet household needs with greater confidence.“Before this opportunity, my family depended almost entirely on assistance,” he explains. “Now I have a profession, a salary and hope for the future.” Yet for Mohamed, the biggest change goes beyond income.The training gave him confidence, skills and a renewed sense of purpose. He no longer sees himself as someone waiting for help, but as someone contributing to his community and building a future through his own efforts.His ambitions have grown as well.One day, he hopes to become an independent contractor, managing his own construction projects and creating jobs for others, especially fellow refugees and unemployed youth.“If I continue learning and gaining experience, I want to start my own business,” he says. “I want to create opportunities for other people just as someone created an opportunity for me.” Mohamed believes many young refugees possess untapped talent and potential. What they need, he says, is a chance.He encourages young people to pursue vocational skills and education wherever opportunities arise.“Learning a skill can change your life,” he says. “Young people should take every opportunity to learn and build their future.” Today, as he walks through the construction sites he supervises, Mohamed sees more than buildings taking shape. He sees proof that refugees can thrive when given the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to society.Grateful for the support of the European Union, UNHCR and Save the Environment Ethiopia, Mohamed hopes many more refugees will benefit from similar opportunities.“This opportunity gave me dignity, confidence and a livelihood,” he says. “I hope other young refugees receive the same chance to become self-reliant and build a better future for themselves and their families.” For Mohamed, the journey from refugee to supervisor is more than a personal success story. It is a reminder that investing in skills and inclusion can unlock potential, transform lives and turn hope into opportunity.

Through the ILO's Global Skills Programme, technical and vocational education and training instructors are integrating core skills into classroom practice, helping young people build the communication, teamwork, digital, green and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in a changing labour market.The International Labour Organization has equipped TVT trainers in Hawassa with practical tools to embed core skills into teaching, curricula and assessment systems, strengthening Ethiopia’s efforts to close skills gaps, boost youth employability and prepare graduates for the ever-changing world of work.The training, held from 23 to 26 June 2026 through the International Labour Organization’s Global Skills Programme in Ethiopia, brought together about 35 TVT trainers from Hawassa and nearby institutions. It focused on equipping trainers with practical tools to integrate core skills into teaching, curricula, training materials and assessment systems.Core skills are increasingly critical for young people entering the labour market and have smooth school to work transition. While technical skills remain essential, employers also need workers who can communicate effectively, solve problems, work in teams, use digital tools, adapt to change and contribute to greener workplaces.For Ms Bamlak Alemu, Trainer at Agena Polytechnic College, problem solving stood out as a key skill for improving graduates’ employability.“Problem solving is one of the most important core skills for improving graduates’ employability. Graduates should be able to identify problems, think critically, communicate clearly and develop practical solutions,” she said. “I will integrate this skill into my training by using real workplace projects and group discussions that allow trainees to analyse problems and solve them.”The training responded to gaps identified in the delivery of core skills across selected TVT institutions. It aimed to help trainers move beyond isolated lessons and embed core skills directly into classroom practice and institutional learning systems.Over four days, participants engaged in interactive sessions, group work, presentations and practical exercises. The sessions covered the ILO core skills global framework, workplace communication, teamwork and conflict management, emotional intelligence, analytical and critical thinking, basic digital skills, green jobs, self-leadership, problem solving and decision making.Mr. Getahun Bihon from Dilla Polytechnic College said the interactive and practical approach helped trainers connect learning with real workplace conditions.“The training showed the value of learner centred approaches, including scenarios, group discussions and practical activities that reflect real workplace challenges,” he said. “This helps trainees build confidence, understand problems better and use core skills in ways that are relevant to their future work.”The training showed the value of learner centred approaches, including scenarios, group discussions and practical activities.The training also focused on how core skills can be assessed and mainstreamed into the teaching and learning process. Trainers explored approaches to integrate these skills into session plans, curricula and training materials, helping ensure that students build competencies that respond to labour market needs.A key outcome of the training was the development of action plans by participants. These plans will guide how trainers implement core skills in their workplaces and support longer term institutional change.For Eshetu Ayele, PhD, of Wolaita Sodo University, mainstreaming core skills can have long term impact on employment, productivity and economic development.“Integrating core skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, digital literacy, adaptability and professionalism into technical training helps graduates become better prepared for the demands of the modern workplace,” he said. “This can increase youth employability, reduce unemployment, improve productivity and contribute to economic growth.”By mainstreaming core skills into TVT delivery, the ILO and its partners are helping institutions prepare graduates who are not only technically trained, but also adaptable, productive and ready for changing workplaces.The Hawassa training is part of broader efforts under the ILO Global Skills Programme in Ethiopia to strengthen market responsive and inclusive skills systems. The programme supports Ethiopia’s agenda for social and economic development by helping align skills development with labour market needs, national development priorities and pathways to decent employment.It also promotes cross learning among selected institutions, including Hawassa University, Bahir Dar Polytechnic College and Arba Minch University. This approach is expected to support wider adoption of core skills and strengthen institutional ownership.By mainstreaming core skills into TVT delivery, the ILO and its partners are helping institutions prepare graduates who are not only technically trained, but also adaptable, productive and ready for changing workplaces.The result is a stronger foundation for youth employability, more responsive TVT institutions and better pathways to decent work in Ethiopia.About ILO’s Global Skills ProgrammeILO’s Global Skills Programme supports countries in building inclusive, demand driven skills systems. It promotes lifelong learning to help individuals adapt to evolving labour markets. The programme emphasizes social dialogue, equitable access and quality assurance in skills development. It aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to enhance employability and productivity worldwide. The Global Skills Programme is funded by Norway, through Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

As her labor started, 22-year-old Dhaki Dida embraced a vital, life-altering change: moving from traditional birth attendants to professional healthcare. She promptly went to the nearest health facility, to deliver her baby safely. At the Dida Yabelo Health Center in the Borena Zone, Oromia Region, midwives were prepared to support her. Within hours, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl with the help of trained staff and essential medicines to handle any potential complications.“I’m very happy with the care I received,” Dhaki said, smiling as she held her newborn.Her positive experience stands in stark contrast to the national reality, where Ethiopia still faces high maternal mortality rates of 141 per 100,000 live births. For many families across Ethiopia, this moment of pure relief is not the norm; it is a hard-won miracle that underscores the importance of a robust healthcare system. Now, a landmark national partnership is set to ensure that this story of safety becomes the standard for every mother, no matter where she lives.A lifeline for mothers and newbornsThe Ministry of Health-Ethiopia and development partners, including UNFPA, signed a landmark agreement - the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (RMNCH) Compact in March 2026.While the agreement is a solemn promise on paper, for communities like Dhaki’s, it represents a lifeline.The RMNCH Compact was developed in response to a looming commodity security crisis, building on the Family Planning Compact UNFPA signed with the Government of Ethiopia in recent years to expand coordinated financing across the continuum of care. It ensures access to essential maternal, newborn, and child health services, from antenatal supplies and life-saving treatments to modern contraceptives and care for common childhood and neonatal conditions.Through a three-year co-financing model, the compact integrates domestic funding into Ethiopia’s health budget, strengthens supply chains to reach remote areas, and builds national capacity for sustainable health system management beyond 2028. Its core goal is to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths by ensuring a reliable supply of essential medicines.UNFPA served as a key technical architect, helping to design the strategy, prioritize actions, and align implementation with national guidelines. It also facilitated global reviews to ensure the agreement adhered to international best practices and played a catalytic role in mobilizing resources and coordinating partners. The RMNCH Compact will unleash $342.4 million over the next three years to equip health facilities across Ethiopia with essential supplies - from lifesaving medicines and reproductive health commodities to vital childbirth and newborn care services - to improve health outcomes.At the heart of the compact is a shared responsibility model: development partners have pledged $171.2 million, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Ethiopian government, to strengthen maternal and child health services nationwide.The partnership brings together global and bilateral leaders in health, including UNFPA, UNICEF, the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The Beginning Fund, Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, and the governments of Ireland and The Netherlands.Together, they are united in a single mission: no woman, no child, left without the essential health care they deserve.Hope in health facilities across EthiopiaFor frontline health workers like Wubayehu Shasho, the midwife who helped Dhaki deliver safely at the Dida Yabelo Health Center, such investments translate into improved care.Support from UNFPA and partners has helped equip facilities with essential maternity supplies and lifesaving equipment, strengthening their ability to provide safe deliveries and emergency care. However, shortages and limitations persist in the Compact's aims. The real impact of the RMNCH Compact will be measured in rural health facilities, where midwives are ready to assist pregnant women, and in maternity waiting homes, where women from distant villages await the birth of their children. For mothers like Dhaki, these investments provide reassurance that, when the time comes to give birth, the care they need will be available.The RMNCH Compact is not just about funding a supply chain; it is a commitment to fortify the entire primary healthcare system, ensuring that quality maternal and newborn care is a standard expectation, not a fortunate exception, for every family in Ethiopia.