Gazette Plus / English

Ethiopia participates in BRICS foreign policy dialogue

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: The Ethiopian delegation, led by Mekonnen Gossaye, Director General for Strategic Planning and Monitoring at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, actively participated in the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue held in New Delhi under India’s BRICS Chairship, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to constructive multilateral engagement and strengthened South–South cooperation.

The dialogue brought together senior foreign policy and planning officials and experts from BRICS member states to exchange views on key global priorities, including resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

The Director General underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to climate action, notably through the Green Legacy Initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), which has mobilized nationwide efforts to restore ecosystems and advance environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, Mekonnen Gossaye further highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing progress in economic and digital transformation, including advancements in infrastructure, digital national ID, fintech solutions, and e-governance services, as part of its broader vision for inclusive growth and development.

Ethiopia reaffirmed its dedication to deepening cooperation within BRICS, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge, green finance, and collective resilience as essential pillars for achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia disclosed.

Jimma University on the cusp of full autonomy

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: Jimma University is on the brink of becoming a self-governing institution, pending a new proclamation from the Council of Ministers after three years of preparation inspired by global autonomous universities.

Teklu Tafesse, (PhD), Head of the President’s Office and Senior Advisor of Institution Reform Affairs, told the Ethiopian Press Agency that the university is ready to commence self-governing operations once the proclamation is received, though he anticipated a transition period of one to two years.

Over the past three years since the university autonomy proclamation, Jimma University has developed self-governing policies, drafted institutional reform directives, and reviewed them with the board and stakeholders before submitting them to the Ministry of Education. The self-governing process encompassed a thorough review of academic activities, institutional structure, resource management, and financial autonomy.

The university also assessed its capital, prepared a research document, and secured board approval before submitting it to the Ministry of Education. A neutral board organized by the Ministry reviewed the university’s progress and acknowledged its efforts, with final results still pending, Tiklu elaborated.

To generate income beyond the government’s budget, Jimma University has implemented financial strategies such as exporting agricultural products, promoting medical tourism in East Africa through its ultramodern hospital, and expanding its campuses across the region. It currently operates a campus in Somaliland and plans to establish another in South Sudan.

As part of its self-governing initiative, Jimma University dedicates 35% of its efforts to preparing an educational roadmap. It is also developing high-demand fields of study, some of which require international recognition, with discussions underway with American and French recognition providers. Some programs are set to commence next year, with others following in subsequent years, Tiklu remarked.

By Hana Basazenew

Addis revitalizes 49 km of riverbanks

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: The Addis Ababa City Administration’s Environmental Protection Authority has announced the development of 49 kilometers of riverbanks.

The Authority’s Director General, Eshetu Lemma (PhD), informed the Ethiopian Press Agency that efforts are underway to enhance the city’s green coverage from its current 24 percent to 30 percent.

He emphasized the utilization of indigenous knowledge from the Konso community for soil and water conservation initiatives.

Furthermore, the he noted the reduction and replacement of water-intensive eucalyptus trees with biodiversity-friendly indigenous trees. He highlighted the project’s significant positive impact on the community, which previously experienced severe annual flooding.

Residents residing in high-risk zones have been legally relocated to more suitable residential areas.

Eshetu further explained that rivers previously carrying toxic liquid waste are now free from pollution, and newly constructed pedestrian and bicycle paths have provided alternative transportation options.

He further stated that efforts will be made to ensure the community assumes ownership of this river development project to safeguard it from waste and destruction.

By Gazette Plus Reporter