ADDIS ABABA – Amending the existing Diaspora policy is critical to maximize the community’s contribution to national development endeavors, the Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS) disclosed.
EDS organized a research validation workshop yesterday themed: “The Evaluation and Analysis of the 2013 Ethiopian Diaspora Policy and Practices,” in collaboration with Jima and Wollo Universities, and GIZ.
Opening the workshop, EDS Director General, Ambassador Fitsum Arega said that a constructive policy would play a vital role in maximizing the role of the Diaspora community in realizing prosperous Ethiopia in the forthcoming years.
According to him, the workshop will bring significant impact through identifying challenges and suggesting solutions that raise the community involvement in national development.
“So far, the community has been contributing remittance, knowledge and other supports to the national development. However, the contribution of the community is still low compared to the huge potential,” he added.
Fitsum further stated that maintaining collaboration is crucial to gain adequate benefit from the community and ensure their interest as well.
Wollo University President, Awol Seid (PhD) said that a constructive policy framework helps to promote diaspora engagement in national matters.
In addition to other activities, a valid and feasible diaspora policy is required to satisfy the interests of community, according to Awol.
On the occasion, GIZ Ethiopia Country Representative, Pierre Jaubert reiterated Germany’s continuous support to encourage the community’s involvement in the country’s development.
Several achievements have been registered in combating climate change, boosting production and productivity, he said, adding Germany’s keenness to support such efforts to realize Ethiopia’s ambition towards sustainable development.
Germany, a strategic partner of Ethiopia in the East African region, is committed to sharing knowledge, experiences, skills, and technology to enhance Ethiopia’s growth. This will strengthen the bilateral relationship and encourage community involvement, he added.
At the workshop, discussion papers were presented showcasing the need to revise the diaspora policy to improve the participation of the community. Ethiopia has secured a 1.5 billion USD remittance in the past three months.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2024