August 16, 2025 (BISHOFTU, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has held the National Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange on Development Responses to Forced Displacement in Ethiopia.
The main objectives of the three day national dialogue is to foster a whole – of government and society approach and to strengthen partner ships between Refugee Returnee Service, the development response to displacement impacts project teams, in line ministers and development actors.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive secretary, IGAD, Mr. Abebaw Bihonegn, IGAD’s head of Mission to Ethiopia, explained that IGAD has been at the forefront of regional policy initiatives toward durable solutions through the IGAD Support Platform.
Furthermore Mr. Abebaw explained that the development response to displacement impacts project approach has placed the refugee and local communities at the heart of identifying, contributing to and implementing development priorities in improving their social cohesion.” IGAD remains committed to working with our partners to ensure that refugees are contributors to national development, than otherwise,” He added.
In his opening remarks, Dr Melesse Mokonnen, state minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia, emphasized that Ethiopia has been a leader in promoting progressive refugee policy framework which grants the right to work, to move freely, to access education, healthcare and to participate fully in the society.
Dr. Melesse noted that the development response to displacement impacts project (DRDIP) is one of the cornerstones of this vision. “Refugees are now direct beneficiaries, women’s economic and social empowerment is a central focus, and our reach now extends to all communities affected by displacement, rural and urban alike,” He added.
Dr. Dereje Duguma, state minister of Health, Federal Republic of Ethiopia on his part said that Refugees are benefiting from primary health facilities and are included in various campaigns and disease prevention activities, which is a practical example of Mekata (inclusion in practice). He also affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing essential health services to the refugee population and acknowledged the significant contributions of DRDIP in this regard.
In her remarks, Mrs. Teyba Hassen, Director General of the Refugee Returnee Services – Ethiopia emphasized that an important national instrument that aligns closely with DRDIP II is the “Makatat” Road Map approach for embedding refugee inclusion into national and local development system.
The Director General also described IGAD’s leadership, combined with backing of these valued partners has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s efforts towards inclusive, sustainable and coordinated response for refugees and host communities alike. ”I wish to extend our sincere appreciation to IGAD for its continued support in strengthening national and regional platforms for dialogue and coordination on forced displacement.
In addressing, the workshop, Margaret Atieno, representative of the United Nation Higher Commission for Refugees highlighted that Ethiopia has provided a progressive framework that grants refugees the right to work, freedom of movement and access to education, health care and essential service, alignment with the Global compact on refugees.” the development response to displacement impacts project II – is now directly benefiting both refugee and host communities, expanding geographical coverage and strengthening social cohesion, women’s empowerment and livelihoods” she noted.
Representatives of the Ethiopia ministry of Justices and the World Bank also gave their remarks.
The workshop brought together whole – of – government ministries, regional Authorities and the refugee Returnee service, including, World Bank, UNHCR and IGAD.
The National Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange on Development Responses to Forced Displacement in Ethiopia funded by the World Bank and Sweden government.
Finally, the work shop was a demonstration whole –of government approach as participants convened to enhance synergy, coordination and complementarity across ministers, departments and agencies implementing development Response to displacement impacts project in Ethiopia. The national dialogue participants committed to accelerate implementation of the Makatet (inclusion) Road Map strengthen coordination across , federal, Region and Woreda level. Region and Woreda level scale up economic inclusion and livelihood opportunities and enhance data system and use evidence for policy and planning among others.
Ethiopia hosts over one million refugees, making it the third largest refugee hosting country in Africa. This is demonstrated by its commitments at the 2016 New York Leaders’ Summit, the 2019 Refugee Proclamation, and its role as a signatory to the Global Compact on Refugees.
