United Nations in Ethiopia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ethiopia:

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18 February 2025

$6 Billion needed to support nearly 21 mln Sudanese

Speaking a high-level humanitarian conference for the people of Sudan in Addis Ababa, the Secretary-General said the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan require $6 billion to support close to 21 million people inside Sudan and up to 5 million others — primarily refugees - in neighbouring countries; an unprecedented humanitarian crisis on the African continent.Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union co-hosted the conference to mobilize urgent humanitarian support for the people of Sudan affected by the ongoing conflict in the country.“I saw first hand the enormous generosity of the Sudanese people — as they supported their own internally displaced population, as well as refugees — including those from Eritrea, Chad, South Sudan and even Ethiopia, in certain moments,” said Secretary-General.“Now the international community must show the same level of support to the Sudanese people in their moment of despair as the Sudanese people once showed to their neighbours in distress.” “Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality. A crisis that is increasingly spilling over into the wider region. And a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention — from the African Union and the broader international community.”At the conference, Ethiopia has committed $15 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan.In his remarks to the conference, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to stand with Sudan in its time of need, sharing from its limited resources and maintaining an open-door policy for Sudanese seeking refuge.He also called for an urgent action, citing the holy Month of Ramadan approaching. “International solidarity in providing aid to the Sudanese is important, and a decision must be made to bring peace to Sudan with the arrival of Ramadan because its repercussions have become regional and international,” the Prime Minister said.Kenyan President William Ruto described the conflict in Sudan as initially political but one that has turned into an unjustified and meaningless war.Ruto emphasized that a military solution is not the answer in Sudan, adding that his country would support the Sudanese people with $1 million and would work towards a comprehensive solution involving all Sudanese components.In his opening remarks, UAE Minister of State Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan affirmed his country’s continued support for the Sudanese people and announced an additional $200 million to alleviate their suffering.African Union Commissioner Moussa Faki stressed the need for negotiations and an immediate ceasefire without conditions. , filtered_html

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07 February 2025

Women First Run 2025: Running for Every Woman, Every Right

It is a call to action to make communities, policies, and programs truly inclusive by promoting and protecting women’s rights.Speaking at the press conference to launch this year's Women First Run, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant-Secretary General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said, “No woman or girl should be left behind, as promised in the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals.”The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promises that no woman or girl should be left behind. Over the past several decades, remarkable progress has been achieved. Women and girls around the world are breaking barriers, leading movements, and driving change in their communities. Campaigns and initiatives over the past several decades have brought positive progress, as women continue to fight for their rights, safety, and future.However, the fight for gender equality cannot be fought alone. Governments, civil society, the private sector, the media, and individuals must come together to eliminate discrimination and ensure that every woman’s rights are protected.30 Years of Progress—And the Road AheadThis year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, one of the most groundbreaking commitments to gender equality in history. It was a pledge to ensure that every woman and girl—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance—could live free from discrimination and violence."Despite three decades of progress, challenges persist. Women continue to bear the brunt of humanitarian crises, whether due to war, displacement, or climate disasters," Dr. Alakbarov said."Gender-based violence, unequal economic opportunities, and systemic discrimination still hold many women back. Young women and girls continue to bear the highest burden of HIV. Women with disabilities face even greater barriers—barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and basic services. Too often, their voices go unheard."Taking Action: Three Key Areas for ChangeDr. Alakbarov urged action in three critical areas:Advance women’s and girls’ rights: Fight relentlessly for women’s and girls’ full range of human rights, including the fundamental right to health, and challenge all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation.Promote gender equality: Address systemic barriers, dismantle patriarchy, transform entrenched inequities, and elevate the voices of marginalized women and girls, including young people, to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.Foster empowerment: Empowerment is more than a word; it is action. It is ensuring that women have access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles. It is ending gender-based violence. It is standing together, as we do today, in solidarity and determination.“Together, let us ensure that every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity. Let us run for a future where every woman’s right is realized,” Dr. Alakbarov said., filtered_html

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17 January 2025

The 15th Theoretical Issues in Sign Language Research (TISLR15) International Conference underway in Addis Ababa

The four-day conference, the first of its kind on the African continent, aims to enhance and share knowledge on sign linguistics; provide information for decision-makers; and advance the education and rights of deaf communities.Today, an estimated 1.3 billion people—nearly 16% of the global population—live with some form of disability. Among them, millions rely on sign language as their primary mode of communication. In December 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark treaty that underscores the need to recognize and promote the use of sign language. Article 21 of the Convention explicitly calls on states to accept and facilitate the use of sign languages in official interactions, ensuring that persons with disabilities can access information on an equal basis with other. In his address to the Conference, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant-Secretary General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said, “sign language is more than a tool for expression—it is a bridge to education, employment, healthcare and full participation in society.”“Across the globe, people who rely on sign language face discrimination, limited access to quality education, health services, employment, and underrepresentation in public life,” he said.“It is our collective responsibility to eliminate these barriers and ensure that no one is left behind.”, filtered_html

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02 January 2025

Women in Leather Industries: Daycare Child Service

For most Ethiopian women, employment comes with the additional burden of childcare and domestic responsibilities. Many choose to stay home to raise their children, often missing opportunities for education, employment, and other life-enriching experiences.Ensuring gender equality has been a core focus of UNIDO’s Leather Initiative for Sustainable Employment Creation (LISEC) project. Across its implementation, the initiative has targeted abattoirs, tanneries, and youth clusters to ensure equal opportunities for women. One key area of focus is promoting a conducive working environment for female employees in the leather value chain, particularly by supporting and raising awareness about the establishment of childcare services. Selamawit Alemayehu, 28, and Meseret Asres, 30, are two beneficiaries of childcare services facilitated by the Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise (AAAE). Both women have faced significant challenges, including dropping out of vocational school due to poverty, migrating to Arab countries for domestic work, and working as waitresses before becoming a cleaner and office messenger at a local abattoir.To empower women in the leather industry, the LISEC project has supported AAAE by ensuring better working conditions for female employees. One of the initiatives was the establishment of a childcare facility for women who could not afford private daycare services for their preschool-aged children. This effort was guided by a gender analysis report that identified childcare as a major barrier to women’s employment and career growth in the leather industry. The project also included awareness campaigns highlighting the value that women employees bring to their roles.As part of this initiative, AAAE arranged access to a government-run childcare facility located at a safe distance from the abattoir, minimizing exposure to noise and waste.“The childcare facility is the safest place for my child,” says Meseret. “I can focus on my work during the day and still have time to breastfeed.” Meseret faced pressure from her husband to leave her job and care for their child, but financial constraints made working essential. While her neighbors initially helped with childcare, this support was short-lived. “I’ve been able to keep working thanks to this childcare service,” she adds.Selamawit’s story highlights a supportive partnership. “My husband takes our daughter to the daycare center in the morning, and I pick her up in the evening,” she says. According to Selamawit, the childcare service has made her child feel safe and allowed her to socialize with others.In Ethiopia’s patriarchal society, women often bear the primary responsibility for childcare. This burden can limit their access to education, hinder their career development, and restrict their physical availability for jobs requiring consistent presence. By providing childcare services, initiatives like LISEC have enabled women to explore their full potential through education and employment opportunities., filtered_html

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03 January 2025

The Winding Journey Back Home

Getting a safe haven and a reliable income was all that was on his mind when he fled Ethiopia.A local smuggler he met in Gondar promised Yonas a smooth journey through Djibouti and Yemen, saying he would arrive in KSA in a few days. The smuggler also assured him he would easily find a well-paying job as soon as he arrived and would earn a lot of money in a short time.As the icing on the cake, Yonas was told he did not need to pay anything in advance. It was an offer he could not refuse. However, what he encountered after crossing the Ethiopian border into Djibouti was a different story.“We crossed through the Djibouti desert and waited for a couple of weeks for a boat ride to Yemen,” the young man says, recalling how he left for Yemen. “We were beaten and pressured to pay up before boarding the boat. Then we were shackled onto a leaky boat for the sea journey to Yemen.”Yet Yonas was still ambitious to cross over and arrive at the promised green pasture in KSA. He had to further endure thirst as he walked through the desert in Yemen while eluding traffickers who prey on migrants like him.Yonas came across compatriots intercepted by traffickers and tortured to extort money from them. Many migrants had to convince their families back home to wire a hefty amount of money for their release. Those who could not get the money were beaten badly and, fortunately, he did not go through that ordeal. He is among the thousands of Ethiopians who have traveled irregularly on the Eastern migration route to the Gulf States.“We had to walk long distances in the scorching heat for days with not much to eat. It was very draining and dehydrating, and we had to leave behind those who could not carry on,” Yonas said, sharing his grim experience.During this journey he saw decomposing dead bodies on the roadside, a reminder of what would happen to him if he fell behind.“Some migrants are beaten so badly by traffickers that they are left with major body injuries, with many unfortunate ones perishing,” Yonas described, with tears filling up his eyes. “I witnessed almost a hundred dead bodies and many migrants who walked away with broken limbs”.Luckily, Yonas survived his journey and was repatriated to Ethiopia from KSA. Reflecting on his ordeal, he is glad to be back in his country in good health. When the security situation in his hometown improves, he is eager to return to his old life as a driver of a three-wheel taxi, popularly known as bajaj.His compatriot, Mohamed Assefa is another fortunate returnee. This young man fled the conflict in the Amhara region “It has been 14 months since I left Ethiopia. I had to flee as the conflict was approaching my university."“We witnessed a lot of hardships along the Eastern route, and we saw raping, killings, detention and extortion; it was very difficult,” says the young man who was a student at Woldiya University in North Wollo, Amhara.He has seven siblings and says, “I hope my family is doing well and the ongoing conflict has not reached them.” Mohammed also hopes to return home to complete his studies.These young men are among Ethiopian migrant returnees whom IOM was able to support through a donation received from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). The funding allowed IOM to provide essential non-food items and emergency shelter to migrants returning to Ethiopia from the Eastern route, and to raise awareness on the realities of irregular migration as well as regular migration pathways among people living in communities of high irregular migration and migrant returnees., filtered_html

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Press Release

18 February 2025

UNOPS Signs $1.8 Million Agreement with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health to Enhance Blood Storage Capacity

The project seeks to improve healthcare infrastructure by strengthening blood storage efficiency, enhancing accessibility in both urban and remote areas, and ensuring a stable supply of safe blood products. By establishing state-of-the-art storage facilities, this initiative will significantly contribute to Ethiopia’s healthcare system and its capacity to respond to medical emergencies and patient needs effectively.Key components of the project include assessment, design, procurement, installation, modification, testing, commissioning, and the final handover of advanced cold room facilities. These enhancements will be strategically implemented in key locations to address regional demands and improve healthcare service delivery nationwide.Additionally, the project prioritizes local capacity-building through specialized training programs for staff, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate and maintain the new storage systems. Furthermore, by integrating the latest technologies and best practices in blood storage, the initiative underscores a commitment to innovation and sustainability in Ethiopia’s healthcare sector.“We are proud to partner with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health in this critical initiative. This project not only strengthens the country’s healthcare infrastructure but also ensures that lifesaving blood products are available where they are needed most,” said Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan and Representative to the AU.This agreement reinforces UNOPS’ commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s healthcare sector by delivering sustainable and high-impact solutions., filtered_html

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Press Release

07 February 2025

UN Welcomes Japan’s US$15 Million Contribution to Humanitarian and Development Efforts in Ethiopia

This funding will bolster the UN’s efforts to support Ethiopia in responding to humanitarian challenges, strengthening resilience, and fostering sustainable development. Through this strategic partnership, Japan reaffirms its commitment to international solidarity and sustainable solutions for communities in need in Ethiopia.The package consists of two components. The first, valued at US$7.7 million, focuses on humanitarian and development assistance. It aims to address the critical needs identified in Ethiopia’s Humanitarian Response Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the Resilient, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF), and priorities outlined during the High-Level Development Forum (HLDF) held in March 2024. This initiative will be implemented in collaboration with IOM, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMAS, UNOCHA, WHO, and Education Cannot Wait (ECW).The second component, amounting to US$7.3 million, will drive collaborative projects, leveraging Japanese innovation and technology ahead of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). These initiatives are designed to tackle pressing economic and social challenges, such as infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable urbanization. The projects will be carried out in collaboration with UNDP, UNFPA, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNESCO’s International Institute for Capacity-Building in Africa (IICBA), and WFP.“I thank the government and people of Japan for their unwavering generosity and steadfast commitment to Ethiopia. Their support, alongside a strengthened partnership with the United Nations, is vital in addressing the country’s urgent humanitarian needs and long-term development challenges,” said Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia.“Japan’s contributions have been instrumental in addressing critical humanitarian challenges, building resilience, and advancing sustainable development across the country. Japan’s partnership underscores a shared commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable and fostering sustainable solutions in Ethiopia,” said Dr. Alakbarov. For media inquiries, contact:
Getachew Dibaba, Communications Officer, UN Ethiopia
Email: Getachew.Dibaba@un.org Phone: +251-911-12-52-01Editor’s Notes:TICAD 9: The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is a multilateral forum initiated by Japan and co-hosted by the United Nations, the World Bank and the African Union Commission, to promote economic development, peace and security in Africa. The TICAD 9 summit is scheduled to take place from 20 to 22 August 2025, under the theme "Co-create innovative solutions with Africa". For further details, please refer to the Annex: ANNEX: The breakdown of the funding and key programs under both the humanitarian assistance and TICAD 9 packages is as follows:Humanitarian Response Package: In line with this framework, Japan will grant for the following projects.IOM will receive USD 500,000 for improve living conditions in woredas of Dire Dawa city, which have been severely affected by the influx of IDPs, including the spread of infectious diseases, by developing WASH and primary health services and providing MHPSS and protection assistance.UNDP will receive USD 1 million for advancing community empowerment for the immediate and sustainable reintegration and strengthening the role of women in economic, social and peacebuilding activities in Tigray and Amhara regions.UNFPA will receive USD 500,000 for enhancing access to services and information on SHR and GBV and improving the health, welfare and protection of women and girls affected by emergency in Somali region.UNHCR will receive USD 2 million for providing primary healthcare services and WASH services to the Sudanese refugees and the host communities in Aftit refugee camp in Amhara region and Ula refugee camp in Benishangul Gumuz region.UNIDO will receive USD 225,000 for promoting the creation of employment opportunities through the vocational training for women, youth and vulnerable in Tigray who have faced natural disasters and conflicts.UNMAS will receive USD 750,000 to continue efforts to minimize the explosive ordnance threat to humanitarian partners delivering aid to communities in Tigray and Afar regions and enhance the capacity of the Ethiopian Mine Action Office to manage the mine action sector.UNOCHA will receive USD 200,000 to support coordinated humanitarian efforts and deliver life-saving assistance to those who need it most.WHO will receive USD 1.5 million for improving access to essential healthcare services and strengthening response to disease outbreaks in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Oromia, Somali, South and Central Ethiopia, Southwest and Tigray regions.Education Cannot Wait (ECW) will USD 1 million for providing education opportunities for children who lose their opportunities due to climate change and conflict/violence to access safe and good quality education again in Oromia region.TICAD 9 Package: In line with the TICAD9’s concept of “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”, Japan will grant for the following projects.UNDP will receive USD 1 million for introducing the e-voucher system with cooperation of NEC Corporation for distributing relief items in crisis recovery projects in Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions.UNFPA will receive USD 1.5 million for social and economic empowerment of vulnerable women and girls in conflict and natural disaster affected areas of the Amhara and Tigray regions in Ethiopia in partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Bé-A Japan. UN-Habitat will receive USD 1 million for improving waste management in Dire Dawa city, to improve public health and promote environmental sustainability through best-practice of the Fukuoka landfill management method.UNICEF will receive USD 2.32 million for improving access to basic and safely managed sanitation to prevent outbreaks of WASH-related diseases with Sato Pans from LIXIL Corporation and RapidPro with support from Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC in conflict-affected populations in Amhara and Tigray regions.UNESCO-IICBA will receive USD 1 million for addressing the growing skills and professional development gaps among teachers in Ethiopia's conflict and crisis-affected areas through digital means.WFP will receive USD 1.5 million to empower farmers to make informed decisions, optimise resources, and increase yields while mitigating risks by providing real-time data analysed using NEC Corporation’s CropScope on soil health, moisture levels, and weather patterns in Somali region. , filtered_html

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Press Release

29 January 2025

Government of Italy, UNOPS partner to enhance access to inclusive, quality education

This initiative is expected to directly impact over 4,000 students and their families, fostering socio-economic development and creating brighter futures for underserved communities.The signing ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Prof. Berhanu Nega, Minister of Education of Ethiopia, and H.E. Anna Maria Bernini, Minister of University and Research of Italy. The project targets the Gurage Zone in the Central Ethiopia Region near the town of Wolkite and the West Shewa Zone in the Oromia Region, near the town of Ambo. These areas, which have faced significant development challenges, will benefit from improved access to quality education and essential infrastructure.Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities—the project will expand access to education for out-of-school children in these regions.Through a climate-resilient infrastructure, the project will construct modern primary school facilities equipped with classrooms, libraries, and administrative spaces; and install WASH facilities to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff. The project will also, improve transportation and technology to overcome geographic barriers and bring education closer to marginalized communities and recruit, train, and deploy qualified teachers to ensure high-quality education.H.E. Amb. Agostino Palese, Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, at the event said, “This initiative highlights Italy's steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive development in Ethiopia and ensure communities in the country benefit from peace dividends. By investing in education, particularly in regions like Gurage Zone and West Shewa Zone, we aim to empower communities, bridge inequalities, and build a foundation for a brighter future. Education is a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, and we are proud to partner with UNOPS in realizing this shared vision for Ethiopia's youth and future.”Underscoring the project's impact, Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office of UNOPS, said, "This project demonstrates the strong commitment of the Government of Italy to reducing disparities and promoting inclusive development. It marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower communities through education. By investing in these regions, we aim to contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for the next generations."This initiative represents a major step in addressing educational challenges in Ethiopia, ensuring that more children have access to a quality learning environment and contributing to the country's long-term development. , filtered_html

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Press Release

23 December 2024

Reconstruction of two primary schools in Tigray's Hawzen District benefits 1,800 students

The two schools - Megab Primary School and Mariam Zala Primary School - were successfully reconstructed as part of the Government of Ethiopia's Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict Affected Communities in Ethiopia (3R4CACE) Project, which is financed by the World Bank and implemented by UNOPS. The reconstruction has significantly improved the education conditions for more than 1,800 students. After suffering significant damage, the two schools were prioritized under the project for infrastructure recovery.The Mariam Zala Primary School in Hawzen District now has two new block buildings with eight classrooms and an admin building while Megab Primary School has been equipped with one block building containing four classrooms, each accommodating at least 50 students. Both schools have hybrid toilet buildings with septic tanks and soakaway pits, as well as upgraded water supply and electrical systems. Additional improvements include fences, walkways, water points, and landscaping. A new gate was also constructed for Mariam Zala Primary School, further enhancing the school’s infrastructure. The reconstruction efforts have ensured that both schools are equipped with improved sanitation systems, and accessible and inclusive facilities for students with disabilities. After the reconstruction, the schools are now better positioned to accommodate an increased number of students, fostering a conducive learning environment for all., filtered_html

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