Conference on Modern Diplomacy and Trans-boundary Watercourse Issues
Addis Ababa University (AAU) organized a conference on Modern Diplomacy and Trans-Boundary Watercourse Issues in collaboration with the Consortium of Ethiopian Public Universities (CEPU) at College of Business and Economics Main Hall today, 7th of June 2021.
The Conference focussed on the implications of the Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions towards the role of intellectuals in Modern Diplomacy, National Sovereignty, GERD and Trans-boundary Watercourses for sustainable development.
Mulu Nega (PhD), State Minister at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, stated in his opening remarks that the conference urges Ethiopian intellectuals, who are working in the higher education institutions, to play their vital roles in the modern diplomacy of the country to ensure its national interest and sovereignty.
Professor Tassew Weldehanna, President for both AAU and CEPU, mentioned in his welcoming remarks that Ethiopia’s struggle to utilize its natural resources is not to control the dominance of power, but to set free its people out of abject poverty and darkness by achieving the 2030 SDG in a manner that respects international law.
Two scholars from AAU delivered their presentations: one on Modern Diplomacy related issues and the other on Trans-boundary Watercourse issues and natural resource utilization trends of Ethiopia, GERD as an example, followed by discussions and reflections of Conference participants.
As the first presentation pointed out, Modern Diplomacy in this digital Era cannot sufficiently be covered by diplomats alone. Hence, intellectuals in the higher education institutions of the country are vitally important to play their roles, both formally and informally, for the sake of national sovereignty.
The main reason for Ethiopia to stay in poverty is the misunderstanding and mismanagement of its natural resources; there is also a higher possibility of changing these trends working on natural resource conservation and societal attitude changes.
Source: Addis Ababa University