July 9, 2022 (NAIROBI, Kenya): The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, officiated a three-day retreat for the Senior Management of the regional organization on enhancing the institutionalisation of the IGAD Heads of Mission.
IGAD Division Directors, Specialised Institutions, and Heads of Missions to the Member States attended the retreat which ran from July 6 to July 7.
In October 2020, the IGAD Executive secretary appointed Heads of Mission in each member state to deepen the relationship between the IGAD Secretariat and the Member States Government Institutions and other national stakeholders.
Opening the meeting on day one, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu reiterated IGAD’s commitment to strengthen IGAD’s representation, engagement, and visibility in the Member States, as well as to support and facilitate communication between the IGAD Divisions and Specialised Institutions, and the Member State government institutions.
Dr. Workneh concluded his remarks for the day by applauding the Heads of Mission on their achievements. He assured them of institutional support in helping to implement the agreed-upon roadmap and work plans.
Seasoned diplomats from IGAD, such as Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo – Special Envoy to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Somalia, facilitated the retreat.
The retreat enabled Heads of Missions and IGAD senior management to:
- Develop a common understanding of the rationale, functions, challenges, and successes of the Heads of Mission; and
Increase their understanding of multilateralism and its impact on IGAD’s work on regional integration, and the role of Heads of Mission.
