ITU-International Telecommunication Union
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with regional offices on every continent, is the oldest agency in the UN family. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for many matters related to information and communication technologies, including Radiocommunication, Standardization and Development of the sectors. It was established on 17 May 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. As the UN specialized agency for digital technology, it works towards harnessing innovation and connecting everyone to ensure a better future for all. https://www.itu.int.
ITU Regional Office for Africa-The ITU Regional Office for Africa is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This office plays a crucial role in supporting ITU’s mission to promote global telecommunication standards and development, particularly across the African continent.
Ethiopia and ITU- Ethiopia joined the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on February 20, 1932. Since then, it has made significant contributions to the development of the ITU, particularly through the efforts of key institutions, like the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopian Telecommunication Authority and the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva. Ethiopia has been playing an active role in shaping the ITU’s development agenda, particularly in the context of digital transformation and sustainable development. Ethiopia has participated in global discussions and decision-making processes on telecommunications, giving it a voice in shaping the future of global communications.
Through ITU’s support and initiatives, Ethiopia has been able to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure, which is crucial for economic development and connectivity. The ITU provides training and capacity-building programs, helping Ethiopian professionals stay updated with the latest technologies and best practices in the telecommunications sector. Ethiopia has received guidance on developing effective telecommunications policies and regulations, fostering a more competitive and efficient market. Being part of the ITU allows Ethiopia to align with international standards, ensuring compatibility and interoperability of its telecommunications systems with global networks. These benefits have collectively contributed to the growth and modernization of Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector.
The Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva actively participates in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Representatives from the mission work closely with ITU to promote the development of sustainable and accessible digital technologies and Information Communications Technologies in Ethiopia and the region. The mission contributes to policy discussions, and collaborates on initiatives that align with ITU’s goals of advancing global telecommunications and digital connectivity.
UNDRR- The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
The history of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) dates back to the 1960s, UN/GA adoptions on measures regarding severe disasters, and was focused on awareness and assistance in cases of natural disaster (1970-1986) https://www.undrr.org/our-work/history. This awareness was significantly heightened during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) from 1990 to 1999, which aimed to reduce the loss of lives and property caused by natural disasters . Then the current United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established on December 22, 1999, and its creation was part of the UN’s efforts to implement the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) . The establishment of UNDRR was influenced by the growing global awareness of the social and economic impacts of natural disasters. Currently the UNDRR focuses on coordinating international efforts in disaster risk reduction and support the implementation and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which was adopted in 2015. The Sendai framework is a 15 year, voluntary, people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction. https://www.undrr.org/media/16176/download, https://www.undrr.org/implementing-sendai-framework.
UNDRR-Africa Liaison Office, based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, provides support to the African Union Commission to implement the Programme of Action (POA) for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/67054_poaimplementationofthesendaiframewo[1].pdf.
The Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva has been actively participating in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) initiatives. The Permanent Mission, as a representative of the country promotes Ethiopia’s efforts in disaster risk reduction, the impacts of climate change-related hazards, and the execution of the Sendai Framework. The Permanent Mission chairs the UNDRR Support Group for one year, from September 2024 until August 2025. This leadership role underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing disaster risk management and fostering international collaboration. This also makes Ethiopia the first African country to serve as chair of the Support Group since its establishment.
WMO-World Meteorological Organization
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland was established by the Convention of the WMO, signed 11 October 1947 and ratified on 23 March 1950. WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation on atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology and geophysics.
WMO Regional Office for Africa- As Addis Ababa is the political capital of the African Union and also hosts the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, WMO signed its strategic Host Country Agreement on 11 July 2018 with the government of Ethiopia to open its Regional Office for Africa in Addis Ababa. Since then, the WMO Regional Office for Africa plays a crucial role in supporting the meteorological and hydrological services across the African continent. https://public.wmo.int/media/news/new-wmo-regional-office-africa-addis-ababa
Ethiopia and WMO- Ethiopia joined the World metrology Organization (WMO) on 01 January 1954. Since then, Ethiopia has been playing a significant role in global weather monitoring through several key contributions. Through Meteorological Observations: Ethiopia operates a network of weather stations that collect data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and other meteorological parameters. This data is shared with global meteorological networks, contributing to worldwide weather forecasting and climate monitoring. Through Satellite Data: Ethiopia utilizes satellite technology to monitor weather patterns and environmental changes. The data collected from these satellites is crucial for tracking weather systems, monitoring droughts, and managing natural resources. In Research and Development: Ethiopian meteorologists and researchers are involved in various studies related to climate change, weather prediction, and hydrology. Their findings contribute to the global understanding of weather and climate dynamics. In Regional Collaboration: As the host of the WMO Regional Office for Africa, Ethiopia facilitates regional cooperation in meteorology and hydrology. This includes coordinating efforts to improve weather forecasting and disaster preparedness across the continent. In relation to Capacity Building: Ethiopia invests in training and education for meteorologists and hydrologists, both within the country and across Africa. This helps build a skilled workforce capable of contributing to global weather monitoring efforts.
The Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva plays a crucial role in representing Ethiopia’s interests at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The mission represents Ethiopia in meetings and discussions at the WMO, advocating for policies and initiatives that align with Ethiopia’s interests in meteorology, climate, and hydrology. The mission acts as a liaison between the Ethiopian government and the WMO, facilitating communication and collaboration on various projects and initiatives.
