Ethiopian Diaspora’s New Generation Commits to National Development

Addis Ababa – In a notable gathering held yesterday, members of the second-generation Ethiopian diaspora have expressed their commitment to actively engage in the development of Ethiopia, extending their role beyond cultural and historical connections. The occasion, an Iftar program hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, saw the participation of young Ethiopians from various countries, including those born in Arab nations, who are currently in Ethiopia for Ramadan.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, attendees of the program emphasized the importance of solidarity among Ethiopians and acknowledged the developmental strides Ethiopia has made. Participants shared their observations and experiences, highlighting the contrast between misconceptions spread through social media and the actual progress on the ground in Ethiopia. Abdela Ibrahim from Saudi Arabia noted the significance of the Iftar meeting in fostering connections among the diaspora youth, urging their involvement in Ethiopia’s youth-centric development initiatives.

Hanan Awol, a participant who has resettled in Ethiopia from Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the nation’s developmental efforts are designed with a future-oriented perspective, emphasizing the need for collaborative support. Similarly, Saladin Abdu from Canada and Faris Ali from Yemen remarked on the transformative changes in Ethiopia, encouraging diaspora members worldwide to witness these advancements firsthand.

The event also served as a platform for diaspora members like Hudeten Salih and Hanan Awol to discuss their efforts in promoting Ethiopia’s cultural and developmental narrative in Arabic on social media. In her statement, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Birtukan Ayano highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call to the diaspora, outlining the ongoing and planned phases of engagement aimed at integrating their contributions into Ethiopia’s growth trajectory.