Addis Ababa, the political heart of the African Union, and the seat of major international organizations, is steadily moving forward and transforming itself at an extraordinary pace.
Predominantly, following the massive development activities carried out under the ambitious initiatives of the ‘Dine for Sheger’ and ‘Corridor Development’ that were designed to upgrade its infrastructure and build a more livable, sustainable urban environment; the capital is moving to a new chapter in its history.
The initiatives have transformed the city’s landscape, leading it to live up to its name; altering the negative narration- for not matching up its name and fame.
Currently, Addis is witnessing remarkable progress and emerging as a captivating destination not only at the continental level but also at the international stage by enhancing its competitiveness.
More than a few regional, continental, and global conferences that the city has hosted over the past two months and the upcoming ones that are scheduled to take place are solid testaments in this regard.
‘The Africa Urban Forum’ and the ‘World Without Hunger’ held at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum from September 4 to 6, 2024, and from November 5-7, 2024, respectively, the International Inter-Religious Conference took place at Haile Grand as well as the ongoing forum at the Millennium Hall are some of the showcasing that prove city’s capacity to effectively organize grand conferences.
The conferences have brought together thousands of prominent participants, including leaders and ministers across the globe, making it a favorable destination for conference tourism.
In fact, Addis’s move to beautification and modernization is not just a story of urban renewal. Rather, it goes beyond; and has a wide range of essences. It is a reflection of the nation’s broader ambitions to foster an environment of inclusivity, innovation, and international cooperation.
What is more, it is a symbol of Africa’s rising prominence in global affairs in addition to becoming a model country for how urban development can expedite development and catalyze global diplomacy and cooperation.
Its vision for the future also creates an inspiring spirit of how urban development can catalyze diplomacy, unity, and growth, concurrent with expanding its role on the global stage for peace, culture, and international dialogue.
Simultaneously, as the city continues beautifying its roads, green areas, public spaces, and corridors, it creates spaces that promote a high quality of life for its residents and those visiting Addis Ababa.
Unarguably, in the coming decades, the city will be fully revamped to the rank of an international metropolis beautifying itself and attracting leaders, innovators, and thought-leaders from around the world.
As the push to modernize Addis is part of a broader vision of the government to create a vibrant metropolis and elevate Addis Ababa as a world-class city, its corridors will not only provide physical pathways for its citizens and visitors but will also serve as a gateway toward the global community.
Thus, the ongoing massive evolution activities initiated to modernize and beautify Addis Ababa continue to position the capital not only as a political center but also as an integral player on the world stage, and a city that embodies progress, sustainability, and inclusivity.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2024
