A national forum organized by Kotebe Metropolitan University and The Ministry of Peace was held under the theme: “The Role of Scholars in Harnessing National Interest and Security”. In his welcoming address, KMU president Dr. Berhanemseskel Tena emphasized that national interest and security come before everything, including differences in political orientation.

He stated that it is high time that scholars stood firm to preserve peace and security in the country. Dr. Berhanemskel reminded scholars about the strategic potential they have in influencing the youth due to the proximity they have toward them.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Samuel Kifle, Science and Higher Education State Minister, said Ethiopia has passed through many trials and tribulations over the years emerging victorious. It will do likewise now and in the future. Therefore, stopping Ethiopia’s progress will remain daydream, he added.

On the occasion, Dr. Almaw Kifle, Lawyer and Historian from KMU discussed the historic paths Ethiopia crossed to ascertain its national interests. AAU Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Kairedin Tezera talked about the role of indigenous knowledge in settling internal conflict and the need to rebooting them.

In his closing remark, Honorable Abadula Gemeda said every citizen has to be alerted and maintain internal cohesion as it is vital to advance national interest. “Unity is the bedrock of our existence and key to all that we claim as citizens, be it religion, politics, culture, diversity or economic advancement,” he added. The forum brought together representatives from all universities in the country, religious leaders, elders, political parties and public figures.

Finally, Dr. Samuel Tefera spoke about insurgency of citizens for the completion of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Kotebe Metropolitan University (KMU), with the collaboration of International University Sports Federation (FISU), Federation of African University Sports (FASU) and Federation of Ethiopian University Sports (USAE) hosted a strategic dialogue with the aim of improving the development of sports in African Universities.

With the attendance of more than 43 countries from Africa and other parts of the world, African issues were discussed by the academic moguls. The opening session took place in the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Adanech Abebe, the Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration and Chief Guest of the day from FISU/FASU higher officials, University presidents and V/Chancellors, researchers and and delegates from Africa and others.

The Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration, Ms. Adanech Abebe, made a reminder that Ethiopia is committed for the realization of Agenda 2063 for the better Africa we aspire in our lives. On the important part of the event, The President of KMU, Dr. Berhanemeskel Tena, received a meritorious award titled “Life Time Achievement Award for Educational Leadership for the Year 2020” on the tenth round from Sucharitha Educational & Research Institute (SERI), and Andrea Pradgh Academic Editor Association (APAEA) for serving in the education sector continuously for more than 24 years as a leader. As mentioned on the stage, the competition was made among 28 countries and Dr. Berhanemeskel won the competition & recieved the award. He deserves!

Kotebe Metropolitan University (KMU), one of the leading first-generation higher institutions in Ethiopia, presented to Mohammed Al-Arusi a crystal award at Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa. The award was given to recognize Al-Arusi’s contribution in promoting the rightfulness of Ethiopia to construct the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

At the national forum held under the theme: “The Role of Scholars in Harnessing National Interest and Security”, the president Dr. Berhanemeskel Tena appreciated Mohammed Al-Arusi’s patriotism. According to the president, Mohammed campaigned over diverse international media outlets against the colonial agreements that prohibit the country from using its resources to escape from deep-rooted poverty. The award-winning activist Mohammed Al-Arusi advocates a win-win approach among Ethiopia and the downstream countries in utilizing the Nile River. During the award ceremony, Mohammed stressed that Ethiopian nationals should preserve unity rather than focusing on ethnic differences.

In one of the sessions that same day, Dr. Samuel Tefera, Special Advisor to the Minister of Peace highlighted that Egypt employs the discourse of “scarcity” to purposefully maintain hegemony on the Nile. In fact, Ethiopia strives to help its people meet their basic needs unlike the luxury Egypt has been enjoying from the Nile for years. KMU Board Chair, Abadula Gemeda handed over the award to Mohammed Al-Arusi.

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