Children deserve the best. In the conflict-affected Amhara region, UNICEF, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is rehabilitating schools to help children return to safe learning environments. New classroom blocks, boys' and girls' latrines, and girls' safe spaces are giving children the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.Sitting in her newly rehabilitated classroom at Bistima Primary School, 12-year-old Hania Oumer appreciates the difference it has made to her learning. “It is comfortable to learn in this classroom. It is neat and bright,” she says.As the academic year draws to a close, Hania stands before her classmates leading a mathematics revision session, confidently guiding them through model exam questions.“I love mathematics because of my elder sister. She helps me at home, and I am good at it,” says Hania.Like Hania, Hayat Endirs is thriving in a newly rehabilitated school environment. Studying at Harbu Primary School, many kilometres away from Bistima, she says her new classroom has transformed the way she experiences school.“The new classrooms help us learn better,” says Hayat. She remembers studying in overcrowded mud-built classrooms, a stark contrast to the bright and comfortable spaces where she and her classmates learn today. The conflict in northern Ethiopia left many schools across the Amhara region damaged or occupied as shelters for displaced families, interrupting children's education. With support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and matching funding from the Global Partnership for Education, UNICEF has been rehabilitating schools, restoring classrooms and providing desks so children can safely return to learning.To date, 13 schools across the region have been rehabilitated. New classroom blocks, boys' and girls' latrines, girls' safe spaces and other essential facilities are helping create safer, more inclusive environments where children can learn and thrive.Education is more than a pathway to the future. For children affected by conflict, it restores a sense of normalcy, hope and stability, helping them rebuild their lives one lesson at a time. 

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.

Their conference badges hanging proudly from their necks, delegates arrived with diverse experiences, fresh ideas, and a shared determination to create positive change. Filled with anticipation and hope, they gathered under this year's theme, "Green Legacy for Sustainable Agriculture Development and Green Innovation," ready to learn, debate, and collaborate on solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and innovation. The conference provided a unique platform for young people to strengthen their leadership and diplomatic skills while contributing ideas for a more resilient and sustainable future.Now in its sixth year, LCC has grown into one of Ethiopia's premier platforms for nurturing youth leadership and diplomacy. This year's edition is jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the Ethiopian Youth Federation, the World Food Programme (WFP), and Safe Light Initiatives, a partnership that reflects a commitment to empowering young people to contribute to national development priorities and global agendas.This year’s conference theme resonates strongly with the challenges and opportunities facing Ethiopia today. As climate change continues to impact livelihoods and food systems, there is an increasing need for innovative solutions and collaborative action to strengthen resilience and food security. Young people have a critical role to play in this effort, bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to some of the country's most pressing development challenges.“The Leadership and Cooperation Conference gave me the opportunity to connect with young people and leaders from different backgrounds, share ideas, and learn how collaboration can help address challenges facing our communities. It inspired me to take a more active role in promoting sustainable solutions and positive change.” –Natanim Tesfaye, Youth Participant, LCC.LCC 2026 aligns with WFP Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts in building resilient and self-reliant food systems through community-led and locally owned solutions. It offered a strong platform to showcase WFP’s climate resilience work and engage decision-makers in attendance, including Government ministers, ambassadors, private sector and financial institution representatives, and media organizations. Across Ethiopia, WFP works alongside the Government and other partners to strengthen food security and resilience through climate-adaptive livelihoods, supporting smallholder farmers, pastoralists, women, and youth with sustainable agricultural practices, water management solutions, market access, financial services, and climate risk-management tools. Together, these investments are helping communities adapt to climate shocks, improve productivity, diversify incomes, and build pathways towards greater self-reliance.Adding a practical dimension to the conference, WFP Ethiopia's IGNITE Innovation Champions joined delegates to share firsthand experiences from the field. Drawing on their work with communities across the country, they highlighted how innovation is being used to strengthen food security, support sustainable livelihoods, and build resilience to climate shocks. Their stories offered young delegates valuable insights into the power of local solutions and reinforced the importance of innovation in addressing development challenges.The conference serves as a reminder that lasting progress is achieved through partnership. The three-day program immersed participants in the practice of diplomacy while grounding their work in a pressing national challenge: building a more sustainable and innovative agricultural sector. A city tour of Addis Ababa, a diplomatic dinner, and a diplomatic simulation and showcase gave delegates hands-on experience in negotiation, representation, and cross-cultural dialogue.The diplomatic dinner drew a high-level lineup of speakers: H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs, delivered a keynote address, followed by H.E. Addisu Arega, Minister of Agriculture, who gave a keynote speech and graced by the Guest of Honor of the day H.E. Temesegn Tiruneh the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia commenced the conference. Dr. Ozzina of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator's (UNRCO) also addressed his inspirational journey of diplomacy from a young delegate to become a UN director.The conference culminated on its third and final day with a Youth Ambassadors Accreditation simulation and Award Ceremony, formally recognizing participants as Youth Ambassadors and honoring outstanding contributions. Speaking at the closing event, Dr. Mutinta Hambayi, WFP Country Director a.i. encouraged young people to think boldly, embrace collaboration and drive innovative solutions that help communities not only withstand shocks, but thrive.At its core, LCC 2026 continues the conference's founding vision: developing young people as capable diplomats and leaders. By anchoring this year's theme in agriculture and green innovation, organizers are directly connecting youth leadership development to one of Ethiopia's most vital sectors one that touches food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience alike.As delegates moved through this year's sessions, simulations, and ceremonies, LCC 2026 stood as both a training ground and a statement of intent: that Ethiopia's next generation of diplomats and innovators is already building toward a greener, more resilient future rooted in sustainable agriculture.