Ethiopian Diaspora pledges support for ‘Clean Ethiopia’ initiative

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2024 (FBC) – Members of the Ethiopian diaspora and citizens of Ethiopian descent residing in the United States have provided both in-kind and financial contributions to the ‘Clean Ethiopia’ initiative, the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. has announced.

During an online meeting with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States, Sleshi Bekele, the diaspora members pledged 12 toilets valued at approximately 18 million Ethiopian Birr. Additionally, some $17,945 as well as 74,000 Birr in cash donations, including contributions from the Embassy’s staff, was collected.

In his remarks, Ambassador Sleshi Bekele highlighted that the ‘Clean Ethiopia’ initiative has multifaceted purposes, such as to improve environmental cleanliness and health, create job opportunities for women and youth, and transform Addis Ababa, the seat of the African Union, into a cleaner, greener, and more livable city for its residents.

Ambassador Sleshi emphasized that the primary aims of the initiative are to make Addis Ababa a clean, green, and comfortable city for its inhabitants.

He urged the Ethiopian diaspora and second-generation Ethiopians to support the initiative, which was launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last month under the “Clean Streets – Healthy Lives”.

Since its introduction by the Prime Minister on April 26, 2024, the ‘Clean Ethiopia’ initiative has garnered an overwhelming backing and endorsement from Ethiopians both at home and abroad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also recently entrusted Ethiopia’s Missions and Embassies stationed across various countries to encourage the diaspora to contribute to the effective implementation of the initiative.

The diaspora’s contributions demonstrate their commitment to supporting the development and progress of their homeland, as Ethiopia works towards creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for its citizens.