United Nations Association of Ethiopia : una-et

04/08/2025

Congratulations to our Director, Samuel Fekade! Special appreciation U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa and the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders for supporting this incredible opportunity for young African leaders.

: Meet Samuel Fekade Lakew.
Samuel serves as the Director of the United Nations Association of Ethiopia, a leading organization that promotes engagement in foreign and development policy while strengthening the relationship between the United Nations and . He is also the National Coordinator at the UN International Trade Centre, where he works to enhance sector competitiveness by driving growth in the digital technology space. Additionally, Samuel serves as a Youth Advisor to the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), contributing to global youth engagement in UN-related efforts.
Currently pursuing the Leadership in Civic Engagement track at Drexel University, he aims to use the fellowship to broaden his global perspective and further strengthen youth entrepreneurship in Ethiopia.

11/07/2025

A nod to Meaningful Youth Participation 👏🏾👏🏾

Last week, Winta Zerabruk, the outgoing President of the UNA-ET Haramaya University Chapter, proudly represented the United Nations Association of Ethiopia (UNA-ET) at the Regional Youth Portfolio Bootcamp in Addis Ababa, held from June 30 to July 4, 2025.

The bootcamp, organized by UNDP Africa brought together youth advocates and practitioners from across the continent to co-create a unified strategy for youth development.

From shaping conversations on Youth Agency and Climate Action to discussing holistic approaches to mental health, economic opportunity, and institutional reform, the workshop actively contributed to critical reflections that will inform UNA-ET’s future programming.

We’re inspired by Winta Zerabruk’s leadership and commitment and grateful to UNDP Africa for creating this space and including UNA-ET in this transformative journey.

Let’s continue to elevate young voices. The work doesn’t end here!

*Pictures taken from UNDP Archive of the Workshop

04/07/2025

Today,July 4th, we hosted a Youth Dialogue on “The Role of Youth in Shaping and Building the Future” — part of the celebrations in Ethiopia. 🇺🇳

💬 Instead of pre-set talking points, the dialogue was driven by real questions from real young people—submitted during registration and reflecting lived experiences, challenges, and bold ideas.

These youth-generated questions shaped four powerful themes: 📘 Education | 🌱 Climate | 💼 Jobs | 💻 Digitization

🙏 Huge thanks to our inspiring youth participants, brilliant thematic presenters, and the UN agencies who showed up and engaged with openness: UNRCO, UNDP, UNESCO, UNEP, UNICEF, UNAIDS.

At UNA-ET, we’re committed to building spaces where youth don’t just speak, they lead.

📢 Stay connected, apply, and keep showing up. We’re building these spaces with you in mind. 💙

30/06/2025

📣 Join us this Friday for:
“The Role of Youth in Shaping and Building the Future”
Organized by the UN in Ethiopia, in partnership with the United Nations Association of Ethiopia and Siket Africa.

This in-person event brings together youth changemakers and heads of UN agencies to explore four critical themes:
📘 Education | 🌱 Climate | 💼 Jobs | 💻 Digitization

🎤 Ask questions, share your ideas, and contribute to shaping the UN’s future priorities through open dialogue and direct engagement.

📅 Date: 4 July 2025
📍 Venue: UN Conference Center, Addis Ababa
📝 Limited spots available! Register now to join us in person:
🔗 https://forms.gle/9hvcZ1wTHjdN29mM8

26/06/2025

That’s a wrap on our webinar series! Over two powerful sessions, we explored how to counter hate speech and disinformation through innovation, literacy, and evidence-based action 💡📢

🎯 Webinar 1: Hate Speech & Disinformation in the Age of AI
🗣️ Keynote: Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov (ASG, UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia) & H.E. Adello (EHRC Chief Commissioner)
🔹 Dr. Solomon Tefera – AI & the Challenge of Digital Hate
🔹 Nathan Girma – Regulating Online Hate via Human Rights Standards

🎯 Webinar 2: Media Literacy & Evidence-Based Approaches
🗣️ Keynote: . Rita Bissoonauth (UNESCO) & C. Akpovo (OHCHR-EARO)
🔹 Aderaw Genetu, UNESCO – Media and Information Literacy
🔹 Mengistu Assefa Dadi, CARD – Hate Speech Monitoring & Reporting
🔹 Adyam Solomon, CIR – Tech-Facilitated Hate Speech & GBV

🙏 Huge thanks to our incredible speakers and all participants for your energy, questions & commitment to building inclusive digital spaces!

📜 Certificates for eligible attendees coming soon.

25/06/2025

📢 Happening Today! Join us for Webinar 2 of the series!

🎯 Media Literacy & Evidence-Based Approaches to Countering Hate Speech & Disinformation
📅 June 25, 2025 | 🕕 5:45 PM (Starts at 6:00 PM)
🔗 registration link in bio

🎙️ Featuring experts from , , and on media literacy, hate speech monitoring, and tech-facilitated GBV.

✅ Full attendance counts toward your Certificate of Participation.

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18/06/2025

📢 It’s today — June 18!
Join us this evening for a powerful webinar marking the 4th International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
Topic: Hate Speech & Disinformation in the Age of AI
How is artificial intelligence fueling online hate—and how can we fight back?

🎙️ Featured Speakers:
🔹 Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident
and Humanitarian Coordinator
🔹 HE Brehano Adelo, Chief Commissioner, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
🔹 Dr. Solomon Tefera, Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University
🔹 Mr. Nathan Girma, CTO, Key Housing Financial Solutions

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (EAT)
📍 Platform: Zoom, link will be sent via email after registration
📝 Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time!
👉link in bio

🎓 Attend both webinars to earn a Certificate of Participation!

Let’s explore how AI, human rights, and digital responsibility intersect in the fight against hate.

# StopHateSpeech

15/06/2025

Join us as the UN in Ethiopia, in collaboration with the United Nations Association of Ethiopia (UNAET), commemorates the 4th International Day for Countering Hate Speech with two powerful webinars designed to inform, inspire, and activate change.

Why Join?

Because your voice matters in the fight against online hate, disinformation, and digital division. Whether you’re a student, activist, media professional, or digital citizen—these conversations are for you.

📅 June 18 | Hate Speech & Disinformation in the Age of AI

Explore the role of artificial intelligence in amplifying or addressing hate speech—with real-world insights from Ethiopia.

📅 June 25 | Media Literacy & Best Practices in Countering Hate Speech

Discover practical tools and impactful stories that are making digital spaces safer and more inclusive.

🎓 Attend both sessions and earn a Certificate of Participation!

Ready to take part? Register now: 👉 link in bio

Let’s unite for respectful, informed, and peaceful digital spaces.

02/06/2025

Day 2 – Closing Post: Campaign Presentations & Way Forward

What an inspiring finish to the Voices United for Change workshop!

Youth-led initiatives from across Ethiopia showcased their mini advocacy campaigns — backed by solid strategy, stakeholder mapping, and powerful messaging.

As we close, we celebrate learning, reflection, and the journey ahead for youth-led civic action. Certificates were awarded, ideas exchanged, and momentum built. 💡🌍

This is only the beginning; stay tuned to see the amazing advocacy campaigns that have been born from the brainstorming and discussions!

This experience is part of the WYDE Civic Engagement project.

Led by ALDA, in partnership with People in Need and elbarlament,

Locally implemented by UNA Ethiopia,

Powered by the European Union and European Partnership for Democracy (EPD)

30/05/2025

We’ve officially kicked off the Advocacy & Decision-Making Workshop in Addis Ababa! 20 youth-led initiatives from across Ethiopia are coming together to strengthen their skills in advocacy, policy engagement, and democratic processes.

This training is part of the WYDE Civic Engagement project, aiming to build the capacity of young people to engage meaningfully in decision-making, governance, and policymaking. It is implemented locally by UNA Ethiopia in collaboration with implementing partners, including , People in Need, and elbarlament, and supported by the European Union and European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).

22/03/2025

Join us at the Demographics, Resource Management & Mobilization, and Entrepreneurship Conference as we tackle the challenges & opportunities of Africa’s booming youth population.
Let’s shape a future where young people lead in innovation, employment, and governance, aligned with !

Registration link in our bio!