ADDIS ABABA: Participants in the International Inter-Religious Conference have praised the ongoing transformation in Ethiopia’s urban development endeavors, calling it truly remarkable. The participants are convinced that Ethiopia is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s top tourist destinations and is on track to become a major global hub, comparable to cities like Dubai and other world-class cities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the conference was hosted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Peace in collaboration with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities from Abu Dhabi, and included a visit to Unity Park in Addis Ababa. Following the visit, Deputy Secretary General of the Muslim Supreme Council in Uganda, Muhamad Ali Aluma, expressed his admiration for the city’s development and Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its heritage. Ali praised Ethiopia’s efforts in maintaining its heritage in a special way and commended the country’s progress towards becoming a global city.
Secretary General of the Burundi In
ter-Religious Council, Louis Pasteur Nizigiyimana, applauded Unity Park for encapsulating elements of Ethiopia’s diversity through its representation of various regions, animals, and cultural symbols. He highlighted the park as a lesson for African cities on transforming urban spaces to foster well-being and enrich life.
Rabi Glad Friedman from the Inter-Religious Council of South Africa shared similar sentiments, expressing admiration for the revitalization of Unity Park and the preservation of green spaces alongside Ethiopia’s rich history. He emphasized the importance of maintaining nature within urban renewal projects.
Peter Yai Deng, Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council of South Sudan, noted the progress Ethiopia has made as a result of peace, recognizing Addis Ababa’s rapid development. Deng acknowledged Ethiopia’s historical significance as a cornerstone of Africa’s independence and its role as a symbol of resistance against colonization. He expressed a sense of kinship with Ethiopia as a
neighbor and fellow African nation.