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:

Learn more

Story

17 March 2026

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator meets UN regional leadership to strengthen collaboration in support of Ethiopia’s development priorities

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) for Ethiopia and UN Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, has begun his tenure with a series of high-level engagements with UN regional leadership based in Addis Ababa. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation, enhancing coherence across the UN system, and aligning efforts to support Ethiopia’s national development priorities.Mr. Ojielo held a meeting with Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), exchanging views on how to leverage UNECA’s role as a continental policy think tank.The two leaders emphasized the importance of stronger regional–country collaboration to deliver coherent, knowledge-driven, and impactful results. They highlighted opportunities to align UNECA’s analytical expertise with UN Ethiopia’s programming to better support inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and evidence-based policymaking in Ethiopia.Mr. Ojielo also met with Mr. Yacoub Ali El Hillo, the UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) Regional Director for Africa. Their discussion focused on operationalizing the UN’s commitment to accelerating UN development system reform and reinforcing coordination among UN agencies operating in Ethiopia. Both sides reaffirmed their shared priority of ensuring the UN system delivers more integrated and results-oriented support to advance Ethiopia’s development agenda, with an emphasis on partnership, accountability, and strengthened collective impact.In an engagement with Mr. Guang Cong, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (OSE-HoA), the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator explored areas of collaboration aimed at promoting peace, stability, and resilience across Ethiopia and the wider region. The meeting underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting regional peacebuilding initiatives, advancing conflict prevention efforts, and contributing to sustainable development pathways that address the root causes of fragility.The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator also held productive exchanges with Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU). Discussions centered on strengthening coordinated UN support to Ethiopia and enhancing collaboration across Africa. The leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to support implementation of Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, emphasizing integrated approaches that bring together humanitarian, development, and peace efforts.Through these strategic engagements, the new UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator demonstrated the UN Ethiopia’s strong commitment to fostering collaboration across UN regional entities to deliver coherent, coordinated, and impactful support to Ethiopia.

1 of 5

Story

16 March 2026

UN Secretary‑General appoints Ozonnia Ojielo of Nigeria as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia

Mr. Ojielo was appointed with the host government’s approval, effective 14 March.

Mr. Ojielo brings to the position more than 25 years of experience in sustainable development, governance, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, including overseeing a global portfolio of United Nations programmes and projects across four continents. He most recently served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, where he provided strategic leadership to the United Nations Country Team, strengthened joint delivery, and engaged closely with development partners and senior Government leaders to advance national development priorities. Prior to this assignment, he served as Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, following his roles as Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and as Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Kyrgyz Republic. Within the United Nations system, he previously held several senior leadership roles with UNDP, including Cluster Director for Governance and Peacebuilding at the Regional Service Centre for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Director for Conflict Prevention and Recovery at the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery at UNDP Headquarters in New York. He also served with UNDP in Kenya and Ghana in various senior capacities. Before joining the United Nations, Mr. Ojielo worked as an attorney, university lecturer and journalist. He advised truth, justice and reconciliation commissions as well as national human rights institutions in Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia and Sierra Leone. He was President of the Centre for Peace in Africa, a regional non-profit organization based in Nigeria, and is the founder and first president of The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, the largest mediation and conciliation organization in Africa. He is also the author of numerous scholarly and technical publications. Mr. Ojielo holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria; a master’s degree in strategic and project management from the Paris Graduate School of Management in France, and a master's degree in history from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also has bachelor’s degrees in history and law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and ASUTECH, respectively, both in Nigeria.

1 of 5

Story

12 March 2026

From Challenge to Change: A Mother’s Story in Tigray

In the quiet town of Maichew, a story of resilience and hope has emerged from the shadows of conflict. One woman’s determination to rebuild her life after the Tigray conflict is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of timely support.At just 35 years old, Embetu Alem, a mother of three, faced unimaginable hardship. The 2020 Tigray conflict not only claimed her husband’s life but also forced her to flee her home in Korem with her children. After years of displacement, she returned to Korem following the Pretoria Agreement that restored peace, only to find her home destroyed and all her belongings gone. With no assets or means to earn a livelihood, she was left to navigate a harsh new reality.But her story did not end there. Thanks to the tailored resource support provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), working with their local partner, the Organization for Social Service, Health and Development (OSSHD), and funded by UN CERF, a new chapter began.Through an Area-Based Approach (ABA), the project provided her with vital assistance that became the cornerstone of her recovery. She was given access to a communal kitchen where she could bake injera – a traditional Ethiopian flatbread – and received basic household items to stabilize her living conditions. Perhaps most importantly, she was connected to local markets where she could sell her products and begin earning an income again.With newfound hope and determination, she began to rebuild her life. Today, she earns approximately 300 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) - approximately USD 2 (two) - per day from selling her injera. This income has brought stability, food security, and dignity back to her family. Her children now have access to education, and she is taking steps toward rebuilding their home.This mother’s renewed livelihood not only benefits her family but also contributes to the broader recovery of her community. Her story highlights the critical importance of dignity-centered interventions for vulnerable returnees, particularly women-headed households who face unique challenges in post-conflict situations.“The support I received gave me the strength to start again,” she shared with a soft smile. “It’s not just about money—it’s about hope for my children’s future and being able to stand on my own feet.”Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how targeted programmes, that highlight the power of collaboration, can empower individuals to overcome adversity and rebuild their lives. The approach taken by this project offers a model for sustainable livelihood restoration in conflict-affected areas, showing that with the right support, even the most vulnerable can thrive.IOM Ethiopia is making strides in supporting displaced populations and host communities through its Area-Based Approach (ABA) under the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) programme. Focusing on areas beyond formal camps, such as the Tigray and Somali regions, the initiative utilizes Community Resource Centers (CRCs) and outreach efforts to deliver vital services. By fostering collaboration with government bodies and partners, the programme ensures comprehensive, multi-sectoral support tailored to the needs of these communities.As she kneads dough in the communal kitchen each morning, this resilient mother is not just baking flatbread; she is shaping a brighter future—for herself, for her children, and for her community. Her story reminds us all that even in the face of devastation, hope can rise like the dough under her skilled hands.

1 of 5

Story

10 March 2026

Men stopping FGM at the doorstep

Twenty-two-year-old Abdi Abegaz, who is a member of the anti-FGM committee in the Dubancho Kebele in the Hadiya Zone of the Central Ethiopia Region, relates a personal encounter in stopping Female Genital Mutilation. The daughter of Abdi’s close neighbour fell seriously ill, and her parents, adhering to an age-old misconception, became convinced that the only cure was to subject her to FGM."When the news reached me, they were on their way to bring a traditional doctor to perform the procedure," Abdi recalls. "I knew I had to act quickly."Abdi intervened directly, pleading the girl's case with her relatives and standing firm against her parents' initial plans. Using the persuasive evidence he gained from the training supported by UNFPA as one of the interventions of the Global Joint Programme on Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), he convinced them that their daughter's illness required medical care, not the performance of a harmful cut practice. He successfully persuaded the family to take her to a health facility, where she received a proper diagnosis and was fully treated.But Abdi’s intervention didn't stop there. Understanding that lasting change requires a shift in belief, he ensured the girl and her parents joined the anti-FGM program committee. "I made sure they understood why the practice is dangerous, so they would never consider it again, for her or for any other girl," Abdi says.The Global Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM focuses on community awareness and behavior change, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with religious and community leaders as well as the engagement of men and boys to challenge and transform entrenched social norms putting women and girls in harm’s way. In the Dubancho Kebele of the Hadiya Zone, the fight against FGM evolved from conversation to a highly organized, community-wide protection system. Men and boys like Abdi, who were trained by the UNFPA-supported interventions of the joint program,e have become vigilant guardians, conducting regular Community Conversations backed by evidence and closely tied to the authority of religious leaders and communal groups.Their work is methodical: they go door-to-door, using clear information about the severe health consequences of FGM, such as childbirth complications, to dispel myths. They also champion girls' education as a vital alternative to harmful practices. This dual approach has not only raised awareness but has actively created a safer environment where girls can thrive.Abdi’s story is not an isolated incident. He is one of many young men in the Dubancho Kebele who are now empowered and organized, going door-to-door not just to educate, but to actively identify, intervene, and protect. Their work, supported by a robust program and community structures, has resulted in a growing consensus that a girl's well-being and education are the community's highest priorities.Through this dedicated network of male advocates, Dubancho is building a new norm where every girl is seen as someone to protect, not to cut.ncho is building a new norm where every girl is seen as someone to protect, not to cut.

1 of 5

Story

10 March 2026

Refugees and local communities in Ethiopia's Somali region support each other as funding cuts reduce aid levels

On a dusty afternoon in Kebribeyah, Somali region in eastern Ethiopia, a blue water truck edges down the road, stacked with water barrels and bundles of warm clothing. The logo is hand‑painted, the fuel paid for by small donations. There is no grant number to report, no international banner to hang—just neighbors helping neighbors. This is Hiil‑Shacab, a community organization led by refugees and host community youth, sharing their limited resources amid dwindling humaniatrian assistance."We started Hiil‑Shacab because no one else was there for the most vulnerable—refugees and locals alike. We decided to help those in need," said Hiil‑Shacab's Chairman, Abdulahi Mohamed Omer.Humanitarian funding is constrained, and in Kebribeyah that shortfall is tangible: fewer distributions, reduced outreach, and longer queues of people waiting to be assisted. In those gaps, community organizations are holding the line. Hiil‑Shacab was established in 2019, founded by refugee and host‑community graduates determined to relieve social burdens on the most vulnerable including the elderly, out-of-school children and poor families observing fasting periods during Ramadan. For the last three years, the organization has been mainly funded by diaspora communities, member contributions and local appeals. With the funding received, the organization has delivered clean water, month-long food packages, educational materials, as well as sanitation and awareness campaigns on migration, health, and safety."Community organizations invest 100% of resources here. If they get even modest support and training, their work will bear fruit," said Mohamed Hussien Nur, Refugee Central Committee Chairman, Kebribeyah Refugees.These actions make a tangible difference in people’s lives. A mother can now observie her fasting obligations without selling her only cooking pot; a young man returns to class because his new bag and uniform remove the social stigma of poverty; an elderly man sleeps warmer than the night before. They are also community systems at work—built on trust, proximity, and participation."There are other community organizations like Hiil‑Shacab, and some run by refugee women. Their activities and impact are felt. They have worked for years, assisting vulnerable refugees and local poor families. If they get resources, they all use in supporting the community," said Nur.Both leaders pointed to the need for predictable funding and adequate training in project management, financial systems, and skills that elevate local delivery. These priorities align with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's Grant Agreement pathway for community organizations and the Refugee‑Led Innovation Fund, which offers up to USD 45,000 over 24 months, along with organizational strengthening and peer support."Local groups are far more effective as they are closest to the people in most need, and can rally up support quicker. Support and training would let them do even more, for everyone," said Nur."Our vision is for refugees and host communities to live peacefully together, supporting each other, with their needs met and support to become more self reliant," added Omer.In a significant milestone, Hiil-Shacab recently secured its first formal partnership with UNHCR to support a community-led maternal health and social cohesion campaign in Kebribeyah. UNHCR’s localization approach recognizes and seeks to directly fund and build capacity for local actors, including community organizations supporting forcibly displaced people and their hosts.“Advancing UNHCR's localization strategy within the Somali region calls for considerable investment in organizations run by refugees and local communities. These groups are essential as frontline responders. By giving refugees more say in decision-making and implementation, we can improve accountability, enhance protection, and promote long-term stability, especially given the current financial constraints”, Abdullahi Sheik Barrie with UNHCR in Jijiga.In the second half of 2026, Hiil-Shacab will organize health awareness sessions, door-to-door outreach, and joint clean-up activities, aiming to improve and strengthen relations between refugees and host communities. This achievement marks a new chapter for Hiil-Shacab—proof that local leadership, when trusted and resourced, can deliver impactful, inclusive solutions

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

01 February 2026

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary General – on Ethiopia

The Secretary‑General is closely following developments in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, where renewed tensions and reported clashes have contributed to a worsening security environment. He is deeply concerned about the potential impact on civilians and the risk of a return to a wider conflict in a region still working to rebuild and recover.The Secretary‑General calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue and measures aimed at rebuilding trust. He urges the full implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and underscores the importance of safeguarding the gains made since 2022. The Secretary‑General reiterates the Organization’s readiness to work with the African Union and regional partners to help consolidate peace in the Tigray region. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

New York, 31 January 2026

1 of 5

Press Release

12 January 2026

UN Welcomes Japan’s US$10.5 Million Contribution to Humanitarian and Development Efforts in Ethiopia

The United Nations welcomes a generous contribution of US$10.5 million (approximately ETB 1.62 billion) from the Government of Japan to support critical humanitarian response, recovery and sustainable development in Ethiopia.The contribution will be mainly channelled through UN agencies to address urgent needs arising from climate shocks and displacement, while also strengthening resilience, livelihoods and essential services for vulnerable communities. The assistance reflects Japan’s continued commitment to peace, human security and sustainable development in Ethiopia. Through this support, the UN will advance Ethiopia’s national priorities toward sustainable, people-centered development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan. “I thank the Government and people of Japan for their unwavering generosity and steadfast commitment to Ethiopia. Their support is crucial in addressing urgent humanitarian needs and helping communities build resilience in the face of persistent challenges,” said, Dr. Aboubacar Kampo, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Ethiopia. “Japan’s enduring commitment underscores the power of collaboration, demonstrating that innovative, people-centered solutions can create lasting change and advance Ethiopia’s path toward recovery, stability, and inclusive development,” said Dr. Kampo.The new funding package consists of two components: a Classic Package focused on humanitarian assistance, resilience and the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus, and a TICAD Package that advances innovative, co-creative development solutions aligned with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process.The Classic Package, amounting to US$5.14 million, prioritizes life-saving humanitarian response, climate change resilience and recovery efforts in line with Ethiopia’s Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF). In collaboration with ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF, the CBPF, ICRC and IFPRI, the package will support conflict-affected populations, internally displaced persons and host communities, while reconstructing and strengthening livelihoods, food security and protection for women and girls. The TICAD Package, valued at US$5.4 million, supports co-creative and innovative projects that bring together UN agencies and Japanese private-sector partners to boost Ethiopia’s development and resilience. FAO, UNDP, UNESCO-IICBA, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIDO and WHO will implement this package, leveraging Japanese technology and expertise in areas such as digital health, agriculture, education, livelihoods and digital inclusion for refugees and host communities. The collaboration fosters mutually beneficial partnerships between Japan, Ethiopia and the United Nations.For media inquiries, contact:
Getachew Dibaba, Communications Officer, UN Ethiopia
Email: Getachew.Dibaba@un.org Phone: +251-911-12-52-01

1 of 5

Press Release

22 December 2025

Restored Health and Water Services for Conflict-Affected Communities in Raya Alamata Woreda

Today, UNOPS has officially handed over rehabilitated health and WASH facilities to the community and local authorities in Raya Alamata Woreda, marking the successful completion of a critical recovery project for conflict-affected communities in Garjela and Tao kebeles.Funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), this US$1 million project was implemented over 12 months, supporting more than 30,000 people with access to lifesaving health services and 1,462 individuals with improved access to safe water and sanitation.“This project represents a significant step in supporting the recovery and resilience of vulnerable populations in Alamata Woreda,” said Sonja Varga, UNOPS, Head of Program. “By restoring these essential services, we are helping to lay the foundation for healthier and more stable communities,” she added. The project was developed following a detailed needs assessment conducted in September 2024, which identified severe damage to infrastructure in the targeted kebeles due to conflict. The assessment highlighted looted and damaged health posts, destroyed water pumps, and compromised WASH facilities, creating urgent humanitarian needs.“CERF enables rapid, life-saving action that supports both immediate recovery and longer-term resilience in conflict-affected communities,” said Rosalind Crowther, Head of the Humanitarian Financing Unit, OCHA Ethiopia.Key outputs and impacts of the project include:1. Restored Essential Healthcare Access: The full rehabilitation and operationalization of two critical health facilities, the Gerjella Health Center and Tao Health Post has successfully restored reliable access to life-saving healthcare services for thousands of community members, removing a significant barrier to well-being.2. Ensuring Clean Water for Enhanced Public Health: The rehabilitation of institutional Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at both health centers now ensures a dependable supply of potable water for medical staff and patients, directly elevating hygiene standards and reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.3. Expanded Community Water Security: Rehabilitation of a key WASH facility in Tao Humo Kebele has re-established reliable, safe access to clean water for local households, strengthening daily life and improving the community’s overall resilience.4. Elevated Diagnostic and Treatment Capabilities: The provision of essential medical equipment to the rehabilitated health facilities has directly upgraded local diagnostic accuracy and treatment quality, ensuring community members receive higher-standard care without needing to travel long distances.5. Empowered Health Service Providers: By supplying new office furniture and critical IT equipment, the project has enhanced the operational capacity and professional environment for healthcare workers, enabling more efficient and effective service delivery.6. Accelerated Local Economic Recovery: Through its Cash for Work component, the project injected immediate capital into the local economy, providing vital income to participating community members while achieving essential infrastructure rehabilitations a dual benefit that spurred local recovery.7. Fostered Sustainable Community Ownership: The direct involvement of local residents in restoring their own health services has cultivated a strong sense of community ownership and responsibility for the rehabilitated facilities, a crucial factor in ensuring their long-term use and maintenance.The handover includes capacity-building support for the community structures, health facility professionals and WASH committees, local government administration offices for Health and Water, which will now be responsible for the ongoing management and maintenance of the facilities to ensure long-term sustainability.The project was implemented in close coordination with local community structures, stakeholders and aligned with broader recovery efforts.[ENDS]Notes to the editors:Press contact details:Meron Aberra, Communication Specialist, UNOPS, +251 911-221-060, Email: merons@unops.org About CERFEstablished 20 years ago, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is the United Nations’ global emergency fund managed by UN-OCHA. It provides rapid and equitable humanitarian assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies. CERF allocates funding through two main windows: the Rapid Response window, which supports sudden-onset and escalating emergencies, and the Underfunded Emergencies window, which addresses critical funding gaps in protracted crises. Ethiopia has been among the top recipients of CERF funding globally since 2020, reflecting the complexity and persistence of humanitarian needs. About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement globally. Read more: www.unops.org/ethiopia

1 of 5

Press Release

24 November 2025

UNOPS and Ethiopia Sign US$8.1 Million Agreement to Enhance Rural Connectivity with New Fleet

UNOPS and the Government of Ethiopia, through its Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure (MoUI), have signed an $8.1 million agreement to procure a significant fleet of earth-moving vehicles, marking a critical step forward for the Rural Connectivity for Food Security Program.The agreement, supported by funding from the World Bank, will see UNOPS procure and deliver 88 purpose-built vehicles, including motor graders, vibratory rollers, wheel loaders, and dump trucks. This modern machinery is essential for building and maintaining rural roads, which are vital for connecting agricultural communities to markets, services, and opportunities.“By enhancing rural connectivity, we are directly contributing to increased food security and economic resilience for communities,” said Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Director of UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office and representative to the African Union.The project will facilitate the construction of all-weather roads, helping to reduce transportation costs, decrease post-harvest losses for farmers, and improve access to healthcare and education. The initiative is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector and rural economy.Procurement and delivery of the vehicles will be managed by UNOPS, leveraging its expertise in international public procurement. The project is scheduled for completion by November 2026. Notes to the editors: Press contact details:Meron Aberra, Communication Officer UNOPS, Tel:+251 911221060, Email: merons@unops.org About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement globally. Read more: www.unops.org/ethiopia

1 of 5

View all