implementing partners attended the launching ceremony.
The 50th-anniversary commemoration of UNFPA Ethiopia was launched on March 16, 2023, in the presence of senior government officials, dignitaries from development partners, and representatives of major implementing partners.
Ms. Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA's East and Southern Africa Regional Director noted that UNFPA Ethiopia remains committed to implementing the ICPD Programme of Action, despite the rapidly evolving reality. ''We have built a strong partnership with the Ethiopian Government and other partners to realize the transformative results'' she said. “We need to redouble efforts at ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, protecting women and girls from gender-based violence and harmful practices, and empowering young people to fulfill their potential”.
of UNFPA Ethiopia was part of the ceremony.
"We appreciate the strong partnership with UNFPA, which has supported Ethiopia's effort to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity," said H.E. Lia Tadesse, Minister of Health.
As part of her remarks, H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation, acknowledged UNFPA's strategic partnership with the Ethiopian government, which has hailed the partnership's alignment with Ethiopia's development priorities.
The commemoration offered a unique opportunity to collectively reflect with partners and stakeholders on the progress made together over the past decades and forge new partnerships to re-energize the efforts to achieve a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
Maria Munir, Executive Director of the safe house AWSAD said UNFPA's decades-long partnership and commitment have been the main reason for cascading safe houses for GBV survivors in many parts of the country. ''We appreciate the strong stand taken by UNFPA to protect and shelter survivors. When we established the safe house, UNFPA was the first UN agency to believe in us,'' she said.
Speaking at the event, H.E Alemitu Umut, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs said that the Ministry highly values the partnership with UNFPA. “Together we are marching to change and progress. We thank you for the support and unwavering commitment to women and girls in Ethiopia’’ she said.
As part of the event, young artists performed a dance show telling the story of Ethiopian youth and their aspirations for peace and equality.
The ceremony kicked off a year-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of UNFPA in Ethiopia.
