ISTINGUISHED PANEL MEMBERS AND GUESTS, FELLOW ETHIOPIANS, ESTEEMED FRIENDS OF ETHIOPIA, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN --

On behalf of all at the International Journal of Ethiopian Studies, the Ethiopian Institute for Non-violence Education and Peace Studies, all my colleagues and myself, I would first like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you have found the time in your busy schedules to participate in this very important and, I believe, extremely timely conference.

It is a great privilege for me to host this special gathering and to be among so many distinguished and accomplished experts from so many disciplines—many who have dedicated their lives to promoting the appreciation of Ethiopia’s rich socio-cultural heritage, in one way or another – and many who in varied ways, have demonstrated their longstanding commitment to our country’s development and the well-being of her diverse citizens.

This conference was conceived upon the premise that a sound understanding of the current State of Ethiopian Affairs and the Diaspora in all spheres is a critical starting point for charting an effective roadmap towards a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Ethiopia.  As outlined in the conference program therefore, the aim is to piece together ‘the big picture’ – by taking stock of the challenges and opportunities facing Ethiopia’s economic, social, cultural and political development in today’s rapidly globalizing world.