By: Shegaw Yemataw
President Taye Atske Selassie has called for a collective effort to proactively address the evolving global landscape and ensure peace in Africa.
To this end, a continental conference on peace, prosperity, and development convened in Addis Ababa. The two day conference themed "Building a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa," aimed to foster innovative and holistic approaches to address the continent's emerging challenges.
Ethiopia, the longstanding advocate of peace to the world, once again is demonstrating dedication to foster good governance by sharing its 'experience in peace building initiatives.
In his key note speech, Ethiopian president, Taye, indicated that the pretoria peace agreement is a testimony of resolving African problems with African solutions.
Although Ethiopia has been playing its contribution to stability and regional integration, the president called for collective commitment and action to ensure sustainable peace , highlighting the crucial role of the conference serving its purpose.
Minister of peace, Binalf Andualem, for his part outlined that Ethiopia is working to advance peace and brotherhood, citing the progress of the national dialogue and disarmmanent and demobilization and reintegration process of ex combatants as well as transitional justice.
Commissioner of political affairs, peace and security at the African union commission, Bankole Adeoye, also urged stakes for renewed commitment to pan African ideology.
He also commended Ethiopia's remarkable contribution for cessation of hostilities through African peace making initiative.
Assistant secretary general, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Ethiopia Ramiz Alakbarov expressed the UN commitment to support Ethiopia for peace and development of Africa.
He also indicated that the UN is committed to amplifying the need to refocus global peace and security with a strong focus on dialogue and promotion of multilateralism.
The conference brought together Ethiopian high level officials, AU member state ministers, IGAD representatives, religious leaders,NGOs among others to collaborate for achieving a peaceful and united Africa.
The event also featured a peace exhibition that provides participants with an opportunity to explore Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage to champion peace beyond its borders.