KUE, October 27, 2025 — Kotebe University of Education (KUE) hosted the EU Ambassadors’ Public Speech Series, featuring three distinguished ambassadors from European Union member states: H.E. Ambassador Sophie From-Emmessberger, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia; H.E. Dr. Simone Knapp, Ambassador of Austria to Ethiopia; and H.E. Ambassador Kristina Radej, Ambassador of Slovenia to Ethiopia.
In his opening remark, Dr. Teshome Nekatibeb, President of KUE, welcomed the ambassadors, faculty, and students, emphasizing that the gathering reflected “a shared commitment to educational excellence and a testament to international collaboration in shaping the future of learning, research, and cultural understanding.” He commended the EU for its continued partnership with KUE in developing competent teachers, visionary leaders, and modern curricula.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Sophie From-Emmessberger highlighted the longstanding partnership between the European Union and Ethiopia, underscoring cooperation in areas such as trade, peace and security, governance, and education. “Investing in education is investing in a nation’s human capital,” she said, reaffirming the EU’s commitment through Erasmus+ mobility programs, teacher training, joint research, digital learning, infrastructure support, and inclusive education initiatives.
Ambassador From-Emmessberger further noted that Ethiopia ranks first in Africa and among the top globally—in scholarship awards, acclaiming Ethiopian students for their active engagement in international study programs. She also described KUE as “the right institution to collaborate with, as it shapes the next generation of educators and leaders.”
Ambassador Dr. Simone Knapp reflected on the 125-year friendship between Austria and Ethiopia, dating back to the reign of Emperor Menelik II. She highlighted the partnership between KUE and Innsbruck University in Austria in the area of educational and vocational counseling training, noting that such collaboration helps teachers guide citizens in making informed career and life decisions.
Ambassador Kristina Radej, sharing her experience as a former teacher before joining diplomacy, encouraged KUE students and academics to explore opportunities to study and collaborate with universities in Slovenia.
The event also featured a panel discussion between the EU delegation and the KUE president, during which faculty and students engaged the ambassadors with questions about the EU’s educational experiences and potential areas for collaboration with Ethiopian institutions.
It is recalled that the EU “Study in Europe” Fair was previously hosted at KUE on December 9–10, 2024, further underscoring the university’s strong and ongoing partnership with the European Union.
