I am honoured to have had the opportunity to visit Ethiopia and witness first-hand the incredible work being carried out by UNOPS in partnership with the Government of Ethiopia, the United Nations family, and our other development partners.

Ethiopia is a country of immense potential, with a rich cultural heritage,vibrant population, and strong commitment to sustainable development. I was impressed by the strength and determination of communities working to build a better future, in the face of challenges.

I met with national and local officials, including H.E Taye AtskeSelassie, the President of Ethiopia and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Health. We discussed national development needs and priorities, and how UNOPS can support.

UNOPS is proud to support Ethiopia’s journey towards peace and sustainable development.

For over 15 years, we have offered practical solutions to strengthen national capacity and capability to deliver quality services in Ethiopia, drawing on our expertise in sustainable procurement, project management and infrastructure.

Over the years, with our partners, we have helped strengthen health and education systems. We have rehabilitated hospitals and schools, improved water and sanitation systems. We have supported climate-resilient infrastructure and enabled access to essential services in conflict-affected areas, responding to Ethiopia’s evolving needs and development priorities.

In Tigray, where the conflict has had a devastating impact on millions of people and left communities without access to basic services, my colleagues are working hard to rebuild lives.

Overall, with our partners, we have rehabilitated and reconstructed 42 schools and 34 health facilities, and hundreds of water pumps and sanitation facilities. Just last week, the newly rehabilitated health centre and primary school in Asgede Woreda was handed over to local authorities. These efforts are being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, financed by the World Bank and working with our regional and local partners.

The results of our work in Tigray will leave a tangible impact on the communities’ lives. Over 367,000 people have benefited from these improvements, including nearly 190,000 women and nearly 39,000 internally displaced people.

It is crucial to do everything possible to avoid a relapse into conflict, which will undermine these recovery efforts and further worsen challenges for communities that are already stretched.

We stress the importance of all efforts to maintain the gains made under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. And we call for its full and sustained implementation as the foundation for lasting peace and stability in Ethiopia.

During my visit, I had an opportunity to see some of the impact of our work and meet the colleagues who drive this work forward with utmost commitment.

For example, UNOPS is working with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health to strengthen systems and enhance healthcare services; including by procuring and delivering vital equipment and supplies, enhancing blood storage capacity, as well as capacity for vaccine research and development, among others.

As UNOPS, we reaffirm our commitment to Ethiopia and its people. We stand ready to scale our support in line with the national development agenda, and to continue working with our partners to deliver sustainable solutions that leave no one behind.