Strong Diaspora engagement vital for success of ‘Clean Ethiopia’ initiative – Foreign Ministry

Addis Ababa, May 1, 2024 (FBC) – Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need to bolster the participation of Ethiopia’s diaspora community in the recently launched “Clean Ethiopia” initiative.

The State Minister underscored that the initiative, in addition to its contribution to environmental cleanliness and public health, also creates job opportunities for women and youth. Although the initiative is initially being implemented in Addis Ababa, it will be expanded throughout Ethiopia.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed unveiled this national initiative last week under the theme ‘Clean Streets – Healthy Lives’, which includes a fundraising component. When unveiling the initiative, the Prime Minister called upon all Ethiopians to contribute their share in creating cities that are conducive for everyone, with a strong emphasis on community involvement in the construction of modern, clean, and dignified public restrooms.

The State Minister’s remarks came following a virtual meeting with Ethiopian embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide, where she reviewed the diaspora sector’s performance over the past nine months and discussed related issues.

On this occasion, Ambassador Birtukan expressed gratitude for the diaspora’s involvement in various national development projects, and noted that their engagement since the announcement of the “Clean Ethiopia” initiative has been encouraging.

She entrusted the Ethiopian missions and embassies to strengthen their fundraising activities in support of the “Clean Ethiopia” initiative.