Ethiopia and the UN Celebrate 80 Years of Partnership

Ethiopia and the United Nations commemorated 80 years of partnership yesterday at Kuriftu Africa Village, bringing together diplomatic missions, international organizations, government leaders, and development partners.

The evening featured Ethiopian Night, a cultural showcase celebrating the country’s rich heritage.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, underscored the enduring importance of the UN.

“The United Nations, eighty years wise, remains an indispensable institution for countries large and small. It must therefore be equipped with the means and resources necessary to fulfil its mandate.”

Dr. Gedion also highlighted Africa’s evolving leadership within the UN system, emphasizing the continent’s commitment to shaping a more representative, just, and responsive multilateral order.

Noting Ethiopia’s pride as a founding member of the UN, he reaffirmed the country's dedication to a strong and revitalized multilateral system anchored in the UN Charter.

He further reflected on the role of cultural engagement in diplomacy.

“Cultural diplomacy allows us to meet one another beyond conference halls and official exchanges… It is in such encounters that the true warmth of our relationships is felt,” the Minister said.

A living legacy of solidarity

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, Dr. Aboubacar Kampo, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i.), reflected on the historical depth of the partnership and the path ahead.

“We do not celebrate only an anniversary. We celebrate a partnership — deep, enduring, and shaped by history.”

He described Ethiopia’s early and ongoing contributions to international cooperation, from leading the global fight against colonialism to pioneering UN peacekeeping and championing African unity and multilateralism.

For eight decades, he noted, the Ethiopia–UN partnership has spanned “moments of promise and pain,” from rebuilding after conflict and responding to drought, to championing human rights, protecting refugees, empowering women, and supporting peacebuilding. Each effort, he said, tells a story not of charity, but of solidarity.

Challenges and opportunities

Both speakers emphasized that while the world faces increasingly complex challenges - climate change, conflict, inequality, and fragile trust - this moment also offers new opportunities for collective action.

Dr. Kampo reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to accompany Ethiopia through its ongoing national efforts.

“We stand with Ethiopia - to promote peace, to protect the vulnerable, to empower youth and women, to strengthen institutions, and to build a more sustainable and just future.”

He noted that the theme of the UN’s 80th anniversary, “Building Our Future Together,” signals a renewed dedication to multilateralism and partnership in an era that demands courage, innovation, and shared purpose.

Building the future together: A shared vision

Both speakers echoed a common message: the next chapter of the Ethiopia–UN partnership must continue to deepen, evolve, and respond to the aspirations of the Ethiopian people and the global community.

As Dr. Gedion emphasized, events such as this celebration serve as platforms to reaffirm mutual respect, creativity, and people-to-people connection — pillars essential for diplomacy and future cooperation.

A milestone for reflection and renewal

The 80-year milestone stands not only as a testament to a rich history but also as a commitment to the future.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Kampo said:

“Eighty years ago, the world chose cooperation over chaos. Today, in Ethiopia, we renew that choice:

For peace.

For development.

For dignity.

For humanity.

For building the future together.”