30 September 2024, NEW YORK, USA – The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, has successfully concluded a series of high-level engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), held from 22 to 30 September 2024, in New York. Throughout the week, Dr Workneh led an IGAD delegation, holding pivotal discussions on the sidelines of UNGA to advance the regional peace and security agenda and to strengthen collaboration with international partners.
Under the overarching theme of this year’s Assembly, “Unity and Diversity for Advancing Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity, Everywhere and for All,” IGAD actively engaged with member states, development partners, and key global stakeholders to secure support for regional peace, security, and development. The IGAD delegation’s participation reflects its commitment to advancing multilateralism, addressing regional challenges, and fostering sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.
Focusing on Regional Peace and Security
A central theme of Dr Workneh’s engagements was the protracted crisis in The Republic of the Sudan, which has now continued for over 17 months. During a ministerial meeting on Sudan, Dr Workneh called for a unified approach to resolve the conflict and emphasised the collective responsibility to bring lasting peace and stability to the Sudanese people. “The future of millions of Sudanese hangs in the balance, and history has charged us with the responsibility to act. IGAD stands committed to working with all partners to bring lasting peace and stability to our brothers and sisters in Sudan,” said Dr Workneh. The Executive Secretary joined high-level dignitaries from the European Union, Germany, United States of America, France, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, and other partners in deliberations aimed at consolidating efforts for a peaceful resolution in Sudan.
Bilateral Meetings to Advance Regional Stability
Throughout the week, Dr Workneh held strategic bilateral meetings to address key issues affecting the IGAD region:
- H.E. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Minister of Interior of The Federal Republic of Somalia, with discussions focusing on enhancing IGAD’s role in defusing tensions between The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and The Federal Republic of Somalia, fostering stronger regional collaboration.
- H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Djibouti and Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, to discuss regional peace and security, including IGAD’s recent mission to Mogadishu.
- H.E. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to reaffirm the IGAD-UN partnership in addressing regional peace and security challenges and enhancing peacebuilding efforts.
- H.E. William Ruto, President of The Republic of Kenya, to discuss ongoing efforts to stabilise the region, particularly highlighting Kenya’s role in spearheading the Tumaini Initiative for peace in The Republic of South Sudan.
- H.E. Molly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, to reinforce collaboration on peace and security issues in the IGAD region, with particular attention to the crisis in Sudan.
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of The United Arab Emirates, to reaffirm joint efforts in peace mediation and regional security.
Advocacy for Climate Action and Development
Dr Workneh also took the global stage on GZERO Media to highlight the importance of data sovereignty and accessibility in combating climate change, alongside the role of Artificial Intelligence in driving sustainable development within the IGAD region. He emphasised the need for enhanced data systems to support decision-making and effectively address climate change impacts.
Participation in Regional Security Discussions
IGAD’s engagement at UNGA79 also included active participation in discussions on regional security and counter-terrorism efforts. Representing the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr Kinyanjui, Director of the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CEPCVE), took part in the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s Capacity-Building Working Group side event, co-chaired by The Republic of Kenya and The State of Kuwait. Dr Kinyanjui reiterated IGAD’s commitment to enhancing the region’s capacities to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
IGAD’s Continued Role in Regional Cooperation
The successful participation of IGAD in UNGA79 underscores the organisation’s continued role in fostering regional cooperation and dialogue on critical issues affecting peace and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa. The engagement with high-level stakeholders and partners demonstrates IGAD’s dedication to working closely with international partners to promote stability, economic development, and shared prosperity across the region.
For Media Enquiries:
Patience Nyange, Spokesperson of the IGAD Executive Secretary, patience.nyange@igad.int
Austin Opata, IGAD Head of Communications, austine.opata@igad.int
Download the attached Press Release in PDF below:
