STAFF VOICE UN No 6 : Issue 12 : June 2018 www.uneca.org/staff-union
“TO CONTINUE TO INVEST YOU NEED TO RAISE REVENUE”
Vera Songwe Executive Secretary
UN Staff Voice A B UN Staff Voice FROM THE EDITOR Editorial Team
Editor In Chief Yemisrach Kifle [email protected]
Managing Editor Tewodros Kebkab [email protected]
Editors Dad Ould Maouloud Arabic Editor
Marcellin Vidjennagni Zoumenou French Editor
Abou Lawan Mahaman French Editor Welcome to the May/June edition of the UN Staff Roser Noguera Voice. After a brief publication pause, we are Spanish Edito returning to our readers with a new fresh look and content we hope you will find relevant, informative Editorial Committee and enjoyable.
Joseph Baricako, President Inside this issue, you will find a mix of carefully ECA Executive Committee curated news, feature stories, interviews, and profiles. & Chairman, FUNSA Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie talks to us about women’s right and seeing each person on the basis Rahel Kebede, ILO of their humanity. Neo Jane Masisi, the now new V. Chairman, FUNSA first lady of Botswana, discusses her stay at the ECA and moving on to new endeavors. As the ECA turns Tsega Amensisa, 60, we take a brief look at current and past Executive V. President, ECA Executive Committee Secretaries. Belgium spotlights important women in its history in our new Diplomatic Corner section. Family corner brings to us an 11-year old’s thoughts on peace. To round it off, we include IT and health tips.
Printed in Addis Ababa by I hope you enjoy this issue. If there are any topics the ECA Printing and Publishing Unit. you’d like to see covered in the UN Staff Voice in the ISO 14001:2004 certified. future, please let us know.
Yemisrach Kifle Editor In Chief
UN Staff Voice 1 CONTENTS > Aregash lodge lies 317 kms south of Addis Ababa in the 22 small town of Yirgalem.... 42
> Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa- Onochie, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia. Five decades ago in April 1968, a Financial Club was established by the Staff of the United Nations 30 Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)...
INSIDE
AfCFTA an important step towards Exclusive Interview with Vera Songwe, building a competitive Africa, says Prime Executive Secretary of UNECA Minister Abiy Ahmed
6 10
2 UN Staff Voice 36 INSIDE
Numbers 16
Health 18
Executive Secretaries until now 26
Annual Professor Adebayo Adedeji Lecture 29
A Golden Anniversary of UNSSCA 30
Peace on Earth 30
My Ambition 31
Tribute to Professor Adebayo Adedeji I was born 46 years ago in Francistown, Botswana to the late Mr. Baruki Maswabi and Mrs. Irene 32 Maswabi. I am the first of six children. I spent most Snapshot of my life in Botswana where I studied and worked in the Private Sector... 34
Mission Experience 40
Leave the office behind
Mobilize African citizens for a successful 42 continental free trade area, says Kaberuka Diplomatic Corner 12 44 AfCFTA a milestone in Africa’s journey towards prosperity, says Morocco’s Word Puzzle Finance Minister 13 46
UN Staff Voice 3 Eliana Hotel, Addis Ababa is an upscale business hotel harmonizing international facilities with the legendary Ethiopian hospitality, offering 80 aesthetically appointed guest rooms & suites. It cartels along a range of restaurants and lounges, meeting and event venues. Located about 10 km from the Bole International Airport on the Churchill Avenue at the intersection of Wawel Street.
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Wawel4 St. Intersection 267, Churchill Avenue, In front of Telephone: +251 111 262600, FAX : +251 111 262424, UN Staff Voice Bianco de Roma, Postal Code: 21777 Addis Ababa,Ethiopia Email: [email protected] Message From The Union
Dear Readers,
I am happy to announce that the UN Staff Voice magazine has resumed publication with a new look and a different team of editors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Seble Demeke for her hard work and stewardship of the magazine during her tenure as Editor in Chief. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Yemisrach Kifle, our new Editor in Chief. Yemisrach holds a Master degree in Communication and a wide variety of experiences in the field. I have no doubt she will be successful at UN Staff Voice.
The magazine is coming in at a critical time of reforms both in the ECA and in the UN worldwide. During such times, staff need to keep abreast of developments in the organization. The Staff Union is committed to keep you informed as much as possible.
We would also like to hear from you. The Staff Corner in the magazine is available to you to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
Feel free to submit your articles, comments, and / or suggestions.
Joseph Baricako, President ECA Executive Committee & Chairman, FUNSA
UN Staff Voice 5 Interview
Exclusive Interview with Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of UNECA
Vera Songwe Executive Secretary
Deepening capital markets is another way “of doing it. There are not many functional stock exchanges on the continent.
6 UN Staff Voice Interview
We have relatively new leaders, relatively from the same generation, relatively working towards the same goals. I think the fact we have global agendas like the SDGs, climate “ change and Agenda 2063 allows us to all feed into that, so we don’t all have to create something new.
You’ve released a number of statements since And finally we are thinking about continuing the work taking office as Executive Secretary of the United around governance. The African Union has picked Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) anti-corruption as the big pillar of its agenda for 2018. last August. What are the big ideas – what are the That’s something we also want to do. We also want to big projects you want to get involved in? build stronger institutions for peace. First of all, ensuring the good work African countries In terms of domestic resource mobilisation, how have done to bring their macroeconomic environment can African economies better leverage monies into shape and have stable credible macroeconomic trapped in banks? What is the main strategy for trajectories continues. There is a growing concern mobilising resources on the continent? around our debt-to-GDP levels but I think that with the There are three things that we will be working on. need to grow fast many countries are investing more. The first one is increasing the tax base. We have a To continue to invest you need to raise revenue. We large informal sector on the continent but we also caution about macroeconomic stability, but we need have a large sector that just does not pay taxes even long-term growth. So where is the balance? though they can. Most of our countries are stuck with Going contrary to received wisdom, which is either decisions around fiscal policy and tax that were taken you are doing counter-cyclical or pro-cyclical policy, we 15 years ago, coming out of structural adjustment. Our are trying to see whether Africa can do both, which is economies have substantially changed since then. basically saying we are going to continue to grow but Can we look again at the agricultural sector? we are going to be very fiscally disciplined. There are pockets there that could contribute to To do that you need to raise more resources. the fiscal basket. Are we taxing all of the service Can we take African countries to a 30% tax-to- sector? GDP ratio? So the first point is macro-economic Many countries are rebasing their GDP. As we do that stability, the second is how can you raise the we should also look at getting more money into the tax resources? base. We need to be sure we’re capturing everything. There are a number of ways in which we can do it. One The second thing is looking at dormant areas of capital, is collecting better taxes. A second is innovative ways of at pension funds and insurance. A few countries allow financing. Is there dormant capital within the continent pension funds to invest in their countries, one or two in that we can use for investment and regulate in a way cross-border investments. We would like to see if it is that works? possible to do more and have a lot more cross-border And then there is the whole issue of bringing more of investment. the private sector into solutions for the continent. We Deepening capital markets is another way of doing it. know that with the growing youth bulge if we do not There are not many functional stock exchanges on the find jobs for the youth we will never achieve the growth continent. we want and we may be risking instability. We are now looking at creating ratings agencies,
UN Staff Voice 7 How has your work in the The relationships are fantastic. private sector informed your We have the joint secretariat for new role as policy chief? what we call the three African agencies. You could say that the In the private sector you realise very AfDB is the financing arm, the AU quickly how much policy is needed is the policy arm and the ECA is the to make the private sector work. research arm. We do the analysis Each time a business goes into a and recommend the policies, then country you need to understand the governments put it in place and the tax regimes, whether you can the AfDB finances the result. That’s take the capital out and stability of putting it simply. All of us do a little contracts, so there is a lot of policy bit of all of that. Africa is new and around that. At the ECA, as part of the UN, we Working very closely with the AU I think with all the have the sustainable development “ – we’ve just done the Continental goals (SDGs). The AU has Agenda innovation that is Free Trade Agreement – you don’t 2063. How can we bring those work for one business in one happening, we can together? The AfDB funds either country. If there are some good do things much one of those agendas, but we have ideas that can engender businesses done a lot of work to show the two faster. But you need across the continent then we put agendas are the same. What we them forward. Having coordinated to come to the want is prosperity for everybody – as policies across the continent ensures the UN secretary general says, leave continent to try it that we have better trade and better no one behind. and we need policy foreign direct investment, but more which will allow you importantly that intra-African trade The SDGs are a much broader remit goes better. – it’s a development remit and a to do that. peace remit – so we are doing a lot Take open skies policies, the more work that allows us to work a common market for air transport. lot better and faster together. Those kinds of policies are because part of raising capital important because the private sector We have relatively new leaders, is getting a better sense of risk doesn’t come unless you have them. relatively from the same generation, assessment. We are very dependent In some sense maybe it’s working relatively working towards the on sovereign risk ratings, but we backwards, but it’s ensuring you same goals. I think the fact we do have corporates that could create that space to attract the have global agendas like the SDGs, be rated equally well, so helping private sector. But you need to do it climate change and Agenda 2063 them understand how they get risk together, because the public sector allows us to all feed into that, so we ratings is something we are looking alone does not know what the don’t all have to create something at. private sector needs. new. ECA has done a lot of work on Africa is new and I think with all the We are essentially working towards illicit financial flows. How can we innovation that is happening, we the same goals but with different ensure that we can get some of can do things much faster. But you comparative advantages. But we the resources back? We have base need to come to the continent to meet very regularly and we’re erosion and price shifting that is try it and we need policy which will working very well together as happening particularly in the mining allow you to do that. bodies for the betterment of the continent. sector. Can we stop that? We need How are your relationships the governance systems in our developing with the leaders countries to improve so we don’t of the African Union (AU) and SOURCE: African business magazine, allow transfers of our resources that the African Development Bank 2018 are not legal. (AfDB)?
8 UN Staff Voice UNECA UN www.uneca.org/staff-union StaffVoiceIssue 5, July 2013 STAFF UNION UN Staff Voice Staff Voice Issue 11 www.uneca.org/staff-union October 2016 OAU/AU Golden Jubilee Celebration Issue 9 www.uneca.org/staff-union June 2015 Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance The UNECA Staff Voice in Collaboration with its partners wishes the OAU/AU Africa’s Happy 50th Anniversary Contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
Editorial: Peacekeeping where “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person there is no peace to keep who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.” —Eleanor Roosevelt, American Delegate to the United Nations Unprecedented! UN System Organizations, Extracts from the ECA Executive Secretary’s Blog: Federation of United Nations Staff Unions and Challenges to multilateralism Associations (FUNSA), Host Government (Ethiopia) A visit to ECA by students and their two professors and Addis Ababa residents jointly celebrate UN@70 from King’s University College, Canada at Addis Ababa National Stadium. The significant impact of women in the peacekeeping environment Umoja in United Nations Peacekeeping 50 years of Partnership with the United Nations and Headquarters Entities The current policy for the recruitment The UNECA Staff Voice in Collaboration with its partners wishes of staff for UN Peacekeeping Missions
Students had their say too during the OAU/AU Happy 50th Anniversary Writing tip of the week the celebration Gift inside centrefold: Historic picture of HIM Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, receiving Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, President of the Republic of Ghana at the Jubilee Palace (Addis 1963). Yours to frame for posterity, courtesy of the SVM Editorial Committee.
UNECA ECA UNECA
www.uneca.org/staff-union www.uneca.org/staff-union Issue 7, May 2014 STAFF UNION StaffVoice UN Staff Voice taff oice StaffVoiceIssue 6, December 2013 STAFF UNION Issue 10 www.uneca.org/staff-union October 2015 S V Issue 8 www.uneca.org/staff-union November 2014 Staff Voice mourns President Mandela The Celebration of The United Nations Celebrates International Women’s Day it’s 70th Anniversary March 8, 2014 COUNTING DOWN Presented by UNECA African Center for Gender (ACG) Addis Ababa Acknowledged as the Third Largest in Collaboration with the Staff Union United Nations Headquarters after New York and Geneva TO UN@70
“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.” —Eleanor Roosevelt, American Delegate to the United Nations
Pictures that made history in the life of ECA
The United Nations at Seventy: By H.E. Ambassador Berhane Gebrechristos, State Minister
President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, visits the Africa Hall ECA’s Publication and Distribution Unit (PDU) wins 2014 UN 21Award for Efficiency San Francisco Conference, signing ceremony of the United Nations Charter ECA boss Carlos Lopes receives the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is people who have made poverty and tolerated poverty, and it is people who will overcome it. And Equality for Women is Progress for All Kofi Annan Foundation: Interview with H.E. Mr. Diriba Kuma, Message from H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Africa and the United Nations overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the Mayor of the City of Addis Ababa “All the UN Community in Ethiopia is dedicated towards the development of this country”. Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the Commemoration of the United Nations 70th Anniversary Could you even imagine a world protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” Roman Tesfaye, First Lady of Ethiopia ( Interview on page 18) Message by Makane Faye, without the United Nations? President of the ECA Staff Union and Chairperson of the —Ambassador of Conscience Award Acceptance Speech, November 01, 2006” “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Federation of United Nations Staff Unions and Associations (FUNSA) San Francisco Conference, signing ceremony of the United Nations Charter Maya Angelou, African American Poet. Message from the Executive Secretary of ECA on the OUR CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY TO THE MANDELA FAMILY Interview with Mr. George Okutho, commemoration of the United Nations 70th anniversary AND THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA Resident Coordinator (RC) (a.i.) Special Issue To Advertise on UN Staff Voice Magazine, please call +251-911-34 45 45 +251-91164 83 34
UN Staff Voice 9 Indepth News AfCFTA an important step towards building a competitive Africa, says Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed
The African Continental Free “Together we will grow; together Governors for leadership that will Trade Area (AfCFTA) should be we will give our young people a ensure that trade was not an end in shaped and implemented to enable stake in the future of our continent. itself but the means to advance the Africa to create opportunities for We will harness their energy and wellbeing of Africans. its citizens; spur the continent’s creativity for collective wellbeing,” Mr. Ahmed said Ethiopia was fully industrialization agenda; and ensure the Prime Minister said, adding; aware of the opportunities that the inclusive growth, says Ethiopia’s “We need to also increasingly free trade agreement offered and Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed. engage the private sector in was ready to “follow Rwanda and Speaking at the just-ended 51st ensuring economic integration Ghana for their pioneering role in session of the Conference of African and introduce aggressive policies the ratification of the AfCFTA”. Ministers of Finance, Planning and to broaden women’s access to He urged other African countries Economic Development in Addis economic opportunities.” to sign-up to the AfCFTA and Ababa, Mr. Ahmed said with He said governments on the those that have already done so, the AfCFTA, Africa’s economic continent were looking up to their to ratify quickly so the agreement integration was inevitable. Finance Ministers and Central Bank can soon come into force. At least
10 UN Staff Voice 44 countries signed up to the us champion our continental “Imagine if we don’t invest all our agreement that will bring together aspirations with the zeal of a resources to kill each other,” he 1.2 billion people with a combined missionary. However, in the spirit said. gross domestic product (GDP) of of African unity, the ECA did not “On this anniversary, ECA shall look more than US$2 trillion. walk alone. There was also the back with pride and look forward By creating a single continental Organisation of African Unity, now with hope. ECA shall marshal market for goods and services, the that African Union.” all its resources to support the continent hopes to boost trade He continued: “As we all know, AfCFTA. ECA has been with us for between African countries. every anniversary involves a critical 60 years and I’m confident it will and reflective engagement with the be there for Africa’s next phase of ECA at 60 past, the present and the future. It development,” the Prime Minister Mr. Ahmed took the opportunity to is with this sense of purpose that added. wish the Economic Commission for we should reflect on milestones The meeting was held under Africa (ECA) happy anniversary as achieved throughout the years to the theme; ‘African Continental the organization celebrates 60 years ensure we apply lessons learned and Free Trade Area: Creating Fiscal of existence this year. design a better ECA together.” Space for Jobs and Economic “The ECA has indeed been at the Mr. Ahmed challenged African Diversification’ and was attended forefront of cutting-edge policy leaders to imagine the Africa they by Africa’s Finance, Economic and research, thought leadership, and would create if they managed to Planning Ministers as well as Central advice since day one,” he said. silence all the guns; empowered Bank Governors. “In fact, it has been our very own their communities and built stronger in-house think tank that helped institutions. SOURCE: ECA Communication, 2018
UN Staff Voice 11 Indepth News Africa’s free Mobilize African citizens for a trade and FDI- successful continental free trade a case of the area, says Kaberuka good, the bad and the ugly?
A passionate debate on the place of the private sector in the arrangements of the African continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has shored up tensions in thinking around foreign dominance of big business in Africa, especially in terms of investments. “Private sector and the implementation of The people of Africa need to be should be taken for granted. the African continental free trade mobilized for the success of the “For the AfCFTA we need to get area” was the theme of the round African Continental Free Trade Area it out of the high level conference table that spun the said debate at (AfCFTA) and the ongoing African halls to the people at all levels. the 51st session of the UN Economic Union (AU) reforms, former African This is critical to the success of this Commission for Africa. Development Bank AfDB) President, historic enterprise,” the former “What private sector are we talking Donald Kaberuka, said Monday. AfDB Chief, who gave the lead about, when we know that in most Speaking during a high-level presentation in the high-level panel of our countries, whole shares roundtable, which discussed issues said. of the economy are escaping the around fiscal space and financial “Part of the problem is that we do nationals?” quizzed a delegate, in sustainability in the context of the not mobilize the African citizenry reaction to the discussions chaired AfCFTA, Mr. Kaberuka said the enough. We can’t afford to slide by the Minister of Economy and continental free trade area and back. It is sincerely my hope that Finance of Mauritania – Mr. Moctar AU reforms were both critical for Continued on Page 15 Africa’s future, adding, nothing Continued on Page 15
12 UN Staff Voice Feature AfCFTA a milestone in Africa’s journey towards prosperity, says Morocco’s Finance Minister
The African Continental Free member countries’ industrialisation is a great potential - enormous Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a major and economic diversification and potential for inter-African trade as milestone that will no doubt lead ensuring sustainable, employment a result of the AfCFTA and we’ll be to a prosperous integrated Africa generating growth for the whole less dependent on external actors. that is less dependent on outside region. The AfCFTA is a milestone for a sources for its wellbeing, Morocco’s He said intra-African trade will prosperous Africa. There are no Economy and Finance Minister, increase once the agreement comes losers, we will all win as long as we Mohamed Boussaid, said Monday. into force. have the right instruments in place.” Mr. Boussaid was contributing to “Since we will be less dependent on For her part, Niger’s Planning debate in a roundtable discussion outside sources for the value of our Minister, Aichatou Boulama Kane, at the 51st session of the commodities, trade will allow the said the benefits of the AfCTA were Conference of African Ministers of continent to catch-up in many ways innumerable hence the need for Finance, Planning and Economic with the rest of the world,” said Mr. countries that are yet to sign-up to Development that focused on fiscal Boussaid, adding beyond economic the agreement to do so. space and financial sustainability in advantages, the AfCFTA should give She also urged member countries the context of the AfCFTA. African citizens a sense of pride to to quickly ratify the instruments of The Minister appealed to countries belong to a global block that will the AfCFTA so the agreement can that are yet to sign-up to the improve conditions of life across the go into force for the benefit of the agreement to do so, saying ‘there continent. African people. are no losers, we are all winners’ “I believe that inter African trade “As a continent we really do with the AfCFTA, especially when is currently at less than 15 percent not have a choice – we need to it becomes fully operational, but when we look at the regional grow our economies and be less opening the way to free trade market in some places, it goes up dependent on the outside world by throughout Africa, facilitating to 66 percent. Therefore, there mobilising domestic resources to
UN Staff Voice 13 Feature
fund our developmental “The AfCFTA itself will promote the issues,” said Ms. Kane. mobilisation of resources that are Emmanuel Nnadozie, needed to fund development across Executive Secretary of the the board and it will also help create African Capacity Building a more sustainable fiscal space in Foundation (ACBF) said Africa.” he was worried that African Professor of Economics at Warwick countries had a history of not University, Herakles Polemarchakis, ratifying treaties and agreements shared his experiences as an adviser they sign-up to. This, he said, may to Greece during the Greek financial endanger the AfCFTA. crisis which was a series of debt “Ratification of CFTA is only crises that began with the global the beginning. To make sure financial crisis of 2008. countries benefit from the He said some countries incurred maximum outcomes, it means huge debts because they consumed that implementation will have to more than what they produced. be accelerated through a strong The Conference of Ministers ends strategy,” he said, adding higher Tuesday. domestic resources would make it easier for countries to implement the AfCFTA. SOURCE: ECA Communications, 2018
14 UN Staff Voice Africa’s free trade and FDI... Continued from Page 12 Ould Djay. The argument raised was 100 per cent for the sector in the movement in Africa, without which that foreign companies dominate Euro Zone and 150 per cent for the their private-sector actors would the big business sectors in Africa sector in China. have no inroads into the Area. She and reap the most of accruing In his opinion, general support to noted that good reforms on ease of benefits or the dividends of growth. Africa’s private sector would be a doing business was essential for all But in the view of panelist – Mr. very important and rational choice kinds of players to thrive – the large Admassu Tadesse who heads the especially in this era of increasing companies, medium-sized ones and Trade and Development Bank (TDB), reliance on private-sector-led small ventures. Africa should welcome foreign growth across the world. Aside The smaller operators in the game direct investment but create the from supporting businesses with were of concern to UN Under- environment for locals to benefit credit, states need to create special Secretary-General and Special from it by mapping out forward and economic zones to quicken the Adviser to the Secretary General backward linkages to the concerned development of industrialization on African Affairs – Ms. Bience ventures. and improve regional value chains, Gawanas. She urged governments “We live in an era where global he said. When the private sector to pay attention to the very small value chains dominate, hence Africa gets such support, it would need players especially those of the cannot do it on its own,” argued efficient distribution systems to informal sector, small-holder Mr. Tadesse. He added that “we make use of the openings to be farmers and women. “When have to embrace international ushered in by the AfCFTA, posited Government is trying to involve the capital but make sure it creates the Chairman of Rail Working private sector, it must tailor support these linkages. It is all about the in- Group, Mr. Howard Rosen. “The packages for each group; not a one- betweens.” cost of trade is something to size-fits-all,” she reasoned. A somewhat middle ground in be tacked urgently,” Mr. Rosen In all of these, leadership, the tension was obtained in the mooted, while adding that there governance and synergy between position of the Chief Economist is need to support building of government departments will be of the African Export-Import Bank infrastructure in this area. key in making support to the private (Afreximbank) – Dr. Hippolyte In a play of ‘first-things-first,’ sector meaningful in the context Fofack who underscored the need Rwanda’s Ambassador to of the AfCFTA, concluded Ms. to consider raising financing for the Ethiopia – H.E. Hope Tumukunde Gawanas. private sector on the continent as Gasatura said it was important key. He said credit to Africa’s private for governments to first ratify the SOURCE: ECA Communications, 2018 sector is only 46 per cent as against AfCFTA and the protocol on free Mobilize African... Continued from Page 12 every country in this room should implementation of the AfCFTA, But for that to happen, he said, make it a solemn pledge that the in particular reforms needed for Africa has to deal with fears AU, the only continental political member countries to fully benefit expressed by countries that are still instrument we have and need, from the agreement. to sign-up to the AfCFTA, convince should be a top priority.” Mr. Kaberuka said the AfCFTA was doubters, or even cynics who think The discussion followed the official much more than a tariff elimination the agreement is utopia. opening of the ministerial segment exercise, adding it should be “a Mr. Kaberuka said AfCFTA of the 51st Conference of African quantum jump in how our continent negotiators should address the Ministers of Finance, Planning and repositions in the context of a weak fears and come up with a package Economic Development and another multilateral system and a time of a tackling all matters being raised. high level roundtable that covered potential demographic cliff for us, “This package should in principle a variety of topics related to the for a lack of a better word”. Continued on Page 25
UN Staff Voice 15 NUMBERS
17.517.5 million people die per year from cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
SOURCE: WHO, 2017 48,000 babies to be born on New Year’s Day in Eastern and Southern Africa UNICEF 40-50% UNICEF says that babies born in Eastern and Southern Africa will account for 12 per cent Only 40-50% of people drive under the speed limit. of the estimated 386,000 babies to be born SOURCE: WHO, 2017 globally on New Year’s Day. Almost 58 per cent of these births will take place in five countries within the region, with the largest number of births on New Year’s Day projected for Ethiopia: • Ethiopia — 9,023 • The United Republic of Tanzania — 5,995 • Uganda — 4,953 • Kenya — 4,237 47% • Angola — 3,417 47% of girls aged 15-19 have undergone Female Genital Mutilation. SOURCE: UNICEF, 2018 SOURCE: Ethiopia Demographics and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016
Air pollution causes 570,000 deaths in children under age 5 annually. This includes indoor, outdoor and second-hand smoke. 570,000 SOURCE: WHO, 2017 16 UN Staff Voice 910,000 An estimated 25 million child marriages were prevented in Ethiopia is home to almost last decade. 910,000 refugees. 25mln SOURCE: UNICEF, 2018 SOURCE: UNHCR, 2018 15,000 15,000 refugees have arrived since the beginning of 2018.
SOURCE: UNHCR, 2018
+1,500 Since the new policy on vital events registration was launched in Ethiopia in Oct, 2017 +1,500 certificates have been issued for refugees across the country.
SOURCE: UNHCR, 2018 52,000 12,000 In last 16 months, over 52,000 women and girls participated in children found safety in Ethiopia‘s the UN 2018 WOMEN FIRST RUN Nguenyyiel Camp.
SOURCE: UNHCR, 2018
UN Staff Voice 17 HEALTH
10 WAYS TO CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE WITHOUT MEDICATION
If you’ve been diagnosed with Weight loss is one of the most high blood pressure, you might be effective lifestyle changes for worried about taking medication to controlling blood pressure. Losing By making these bring your numbers down. even a small amount of weight if you’re overweight or obese can Lifestyle plays an important role in 10 lifestyle help reduce your blood pressure. In treating your high blood pressure. If general, you may reduce your blood changes, you can you successfully control your blood pressure by about 1 millimeter pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you lower your blood of mercury (mm Hg) with each might avoid, delay or reduce the kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of need for medication. pressure and weight you lose. Here are 10 lifestyle changes you reduce your risk Besides shedding pounds, you can make to lower your blood generally should also keep an eye of heart disease. pressure and keep it down. on your waistline. Carrying too 1. Lose extra pounds and watch much weight around your waist can your waistline put you at greater risk of high blood Blood pressure often increases as pressure. weight increases. Being overweight In general: also can cause disrupted breathing Men are at risk if their waist while you sleep (sleep apnea), which measurement is greater than 40 further raises your blood pressure.
18 UN Staff Voice HEALTH inches (102 centimeters). cycling, swimming or dancing. true eating habits. Monitor what You can also try high-intensity you eat, how much, when and why. Women are at risk if their waist interval training, which involves measurement is greater than 35 Consider boosting alternating short bursts of intense inches (89 centimeters). potassium. Potassium can lessen the activity with subsequent recovery effects of sodium on blood pressure. These numbers vary among ethnic periods of lighter activity. Strength The best source of potassium is groups. Ask your doctor about a training also can help reduce blood food, such as fruits and vegetables, healthy waist measurement for you. pressure. Aim to include strength rather than supplements. Talk to training exercises at least two days 2. Exercise regularly your doctor about the potassium a week. Talk to your doctor about level that’s best for you. Regular physical activity — such as developing an exercise program. 150 minutes a week, or about 30 Be a smart shopper. Read food 3. Eat a healthy diet minutes most days of the week — labels when you shop and stick can lower your blood pressure by Eating a diet that is rich in whole to your healthy-eating plan when about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have grains, fruits, vegetables and low- you’re dining out, too. high blood pressure. It’s important fat dairy products and skimps on 4. Reduce sodium in your diet to be consistent because if you stop saturated fat and cholesterol can exercising, your blood pressure can lower your blood pressure by up to Even a small reduction in the rise again. 11 mm Hg if you have high blood sodium in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood If you have elevated blood pressure, pressure. This eating plan is known pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg if exercise can help you avoid as the Dietary Approaches to Stop you have high blood pressure. developing hypertension. If you Hypertension (DASH) diet. already have hypertension, regular It isn’t easy to change your eating The effect of sodium intake on physical activity can bring your habits, but with these tips, you can blood pressure varies among groups blood pressure down to safer levels. adopt a healthy diet: of people. In general, limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day Some examples of aerobic exercise Keep a food diary. Writing down or less. However, a lower sodium you may try to lower blood what you eat, even for just a week, pressure include walking, jogging, can shed surprising light on your Continued on Page 20
UN Staff Voice 19 10 WAYS TO CONTROL... Continued from Page 19
only in moderation — generally one may be sensitive to the blood drink a day for women, or two a day pressure raising effects of caffeine. for men — you can potentially lower Talk to your doctor about the effects your blood pressure by about 4 mm of caffeine on your blood pressure. Hg. One drink equals 12 ounces 8. Reduce your stress of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. Chronic stress may contribute to If you can’t high blood pressure. More research But that protective effect is lost if is needed to determine the effects eliminate all of you drink too much alcohol. of chronic stress on blood pressure. your stressors, Drinking more than moderate Occasional stress also can contribute amounts of alcohol can actually raise to high blood pressure if you react you can at least blood pressure by several points. It to stress by eating unhealthy food, cope with them can also reduce the effectiveness of drinking alcohol or smoking. blood pressure medications. in a healthier Take some time to think about what 6. Quit smoking causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. way. Each cigarette you smoke increases Once you know what’s causing your blood pressure for many your stress, consider how you can minutes after you finish. Stopping eliminate or reduce stress. intake — 1,500 mg a day or less — smoking helps your blood pressure is ideal for most adults. return to normal. Quitting smoking If you can’t eliminate all of your can reduce your risk of heart disease stressors, you can at least cope with To decrease sodium in your diet, and improve your overall health. them in a healthier way. Try to: consider these tips: People who quit smoking may live Change your expectations. For Read food labels. If possible, choose longer than people who never quit example, plan your day and focus low-sodium alternatives of the foods smoking. on your priorities. Avoid trying to and beverages you normally buy. 7. Cut back on caffeine do too much and learn to say no. Eat fewer processed foods. Only Understand there are some things The role caffeine plays in blood a small amount of sodium occurs you can’t change or control, but pressure is still debated. Caffeine naturally in foods. Most sodium is you can focus on how you react to can raise blood pressure up to added during processing. them. 10 mm Hg in people who rarely Don’t add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon consume it. But people who drink Focus on issues you can control and of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use coffee regularly may experience little make plans to solve them. If you are herbs or spices to add flavor to your or no effect on their blood pressure. having an issue at work, try talking food. to your manager. If you are having Although the long-term effects of a conflict with your kids or spouse, Ease into it. If you don’t feel you can caffeine on blood pressure aren’t take steps to resolve it. drastically reduce the sodium in your clear, it’s possible blood pressure diet suddenly, cut back gradually. may slightly increase. Avoid stress triggers. Try to avoid Your palate will adjust over time. triggers when you can. For example, To see if caffeine raises your blood if rush-hour traffic on the way 5. Limit the amount of alcohol pressure, check your pressure within to work causes stress, try leaving you drink 30 minutes of drinking a caffeinated earlier in the morning, or take public Alcohol can be both good and bad beverage. If your blood pressure for your health. By drinking alcohol increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg, you Continued on Page 25
20 UN Staff Voice IT Tips Microsoft OneDrive tips and tricks to make the cloud work for you
In the ever-evolving workplace, ways to do so is using OneDrive. IFTTT and Microsoft Flow for the expectations of having instant com. After signing in with your effortless automation access to reports, projects and Microsoft account, you get access Who doesn’t want to get the most files cease to plateau. The concept to all of your items. You simply amount of work done while making of only being able to view your have to choose the items and the least amount of effort? documents that live on your office select the share icon. You have the computer from the computer itself option to choose a link to post or That may sound lazy, but it’s more is all but gone. Our information is as send an email invitation to specific about simplifying the small tasks so portable as we are. individuals or distribution groups. that you can maximize your time and effectiveness for the more Remote access to your work means Either method gives you the ability challenging items. One of the more that you can be productive and to choose a “view only” option popular web-based services that collaborative from anywhere. Your (where your work can be viewed, allows for online automation is IFTTT local storage remains uncluttered, copied or downloaded) or an “edit (an acronym for If This Then That). enabling you to not have to worry option” (allowing people to edit, The service sports “applets” that about files you may access less forward, rename or delete your allow various services to connect frequently. Depending on your daily work or even add their own). It’s a and perform functions nearly driver you may not want to invest rather convenient way to share files effortlessly. Users have been known in another storage card option, or without the need to simply email to use IFTTT to upload images to perhaps you’re simply unable to attachments, and you can rescind social media automatically after expand. permissions at any time. taking them, or request their smart There are quite a few popular and How to share an item home setup to turn on the lights powerful cloud storage service using OneDrive.com when the sun sets. With IFTTT, you providers in the world, including 1. Locate the file or folder in can choose to automatically save Dropbox, Google Drive and Box. question. images and screenshots, back up Microsoft’s OneDrive, formerly mail attachments or upload images 2. Right click on the folder and SkyDrive (formerly Live Folders, posted to social media to your select Share or hover over Essentials and other iterations), is a OneDrive. well received and widely accepted the folder icon to make the Alternatively, you can use Microsoft cloud-sync option that’s not to be checkmark circle appear. Flow to save attachments from overlooked. Natural and complete 3. Select Share from the tool tray. Outlook, copy files from other integration with Office is by far one 4. In the pop-up window, select cloud-storage services, send files of it’s most powerful advantages whether or not you want to to an email address or connect to over other solutions. If you’re allow the recipient to make other services such as Wunderlist considering trusting OneDrive to edits to your work. and Facebook. While these services help you manage your projects on manage behavior around managing the go, or you already use it, take 5. Select Get a link to generate your files, you can then focus on a look at these tips and tricks. They a shortened URL that can be putting the files to work for you. just may help you “become one” copied. with OneDrive. 6. Select Email to send directly Anything you store in OneDrive is to the recipient by adding the SOURCE: https://www.windowscentral. private until you decide to share it. email address and an optional com/tips-and-tricks-make-you-one- One of the easiest and most creative message. onedrive
UN Staff Voice 21 STAFF CORNER
“VIOLENCE FREE LIFE IS MY RIGHT”
Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia
22 UN Staff Voice Interview
We sat down with Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, to talk about her participation in the Women’s Run in March but we ended up discussing so much more. From the #metoo movement to the role of teachers in fostering gender equality, there was a lot of ground to cover.
We were pleased to hear that you run the CEOs, singers, artists, olympic medalists and heads of Women’s Run this year. How long did it take you international organizations. Until the issue actually gets to finish? better, we have a yearly event that reminds us that it is still a problem. Just under an hour. What do you do in order to motivate yourself, Did you enjoy the run? friends, family, colleagues, and members of your community to be sensitive to the issue gender It was wonderful - so refreshing and energizing. There equality? were over 12,000 participants. It was an incredible experience to be around mostly young women. For me, this is personal. I come from a family of 9 Normally, I wouldn’t run all the way but I actually did children 6 of whom are girls. I grew up at a time when run. The energy all around me was palpable. The last it was not popular to have many girls. My parents were time I had this feeling of excitement was when I went under a lot of pressure because their girls outnumbered to the Beijing Women Conference in 1995. the boys. I remember my father clearly saying to us that it made no difference to him. He made no There are always people on the sidelines watching difference in the way he treated his boy children and during these events. How did you view these girl children. This comes across even in the names he bystanders? gave us. In defiance of his own community, he gave us really validating names. When I came along, he I actually paid attention to this. I wanted to know named me Ahuna - it means the body of the father. He who was watching and what they were thinking as claimed his girls and placed value on them and I never they were watching. The one thing I noticed is that forgot that. there were a lot of guys selling various things to the runners. The event presented a commercial opportunity The fight begins with the validation of people’s for them. I also noticed a group of young women, humanity irrespective of who they are. I teach my nurses I think, who were obviously on duty but came daughter everyday to recognize everyone’s humanity out to cheer. They couldn’t be part of it because they because once you are face to face with another person were on duty but they were sharing in the celebrations on the basis of their humanity, you are less likely to be somehow. Next time, we should get men to line up violent or to devalue them. I also teach her to be aware and cheer the women, not just sell water to us! of her rights. You have teach kids when they are young What is the role of these types of events? What not only to respect others but to also themselves. type of goal do they meet? We are trying to change the world to become a These types of events increase the visibility of place where half the population isn’t left out from issues. This year’s theme was “Violence Free Life Is My contributing to its betterment. Our world is much Right.” We purposely chose an active theme instead of poorer today because of the devaluation of women. a passive one. It creates awareness that women have Violence has a huge impact on limiting womens the right for violence free lives. The idea is to have a theme everyone can rally behind. During the run, I saw Continued on Page 24
UN Staff Voice 23 Interview
potential. When someone faces wanted English names just like violence, it penetrates their other kids. I actually gave myself an entire system of humanity - their English name without my parents’ mind, their body, their spirit and knowledge. Then one day, I walked soul. It isn’t’ just a woman got hit into class at my university and and she now has bruises, her spirit began introducing myself to my is infinitely affected when her entire professor. He asked what my name humanty faces an abuse like that. was and when I said Ahuna, he sat It takes a long time to recover, if at back and exclaimed, “Ahuna! What all. It limits her view of herself and a beautiful name!” From that day her strength. It kills her dreams on, I owned my name but I was 18 and confidence. A woman in this before I did so. This is why teachers situation can’t live out her potential. are so important. They can make a We should focus on preventing tremendous difference in validating violence from happening because the humanity of children from very once it does, a lot of the damage diverse backgrounds. has already been done. How far do you think the world, What are your thoughts in particular our continent, has regarding women recognizing come in regards to gender issues our own humanity and value? and justice?
It all starts at home. If you give birth It is a mixed picture, to be honest. “It all starts at to a boy and a girl and you keep If I compare myself to my mother, saying to the girl go get something for example, when she was growing home. If you give for your brother or don’t disturb up she was one of the most brilliant birth to a boy and your brother while he is studying - girls in her community and she this really plants in your daughter’s got a scholarship to go on and a girl and you keep head that she is of less value. Once further her education but she was that seed has been planted, it is deprived of this opportunity even saying to the girl difficult to remove. Parents have though she had a very progressive go get something enormous responsibility to ensure father. Fast track to me - I had for your brother that the right seed has been planted every opportunity to go to school. “ in girls. Once that is planted, her There was no question at this or don’t disturb sense of value can be cultivated. time about girls going to school. Teachers play an important It is clear we have made progress your brother while role in cultivating self-value in when compared to the previous he is studying - girls. Gender awareness must be at generations. the core of any teacher training. this really plants About two months ago, I was in I talked earlier about my name - the Afar region here in Ethiopia in your daughter’s Ahuna. I actually didn’t like my visiting a school in a pastoralist area. head that she is name when I was young. My I talked to two girls, both in their Africanist father didn’t give us teens. They told me that it was of less value.” English names even though by possible for them to go to school tradition you are supposed to because they have an aunt that be given an English name after baptism. When I was young, I Continued on Page 28
24 UN Staff Voice 10 WAYS TO CONTROL... Continued from Page 20
transportation. Avoid people who yourself, drive you to the doctor’s can give you an emotional or morale cause you stress if possible. office or embark on an exercise boost and who can offer practical program with you to keep your tips to cope with your condition. Make time to relax and to do blood pressure low. activities you enjoy. Take time each day to sit quietly and breathe If you find you need support beyond SOURCE: https://www.mayoclinic.org/ deeply. Make time for enjoyable your family and friends, consider diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/ activities or hobbies in your joining a support group. This may in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art- schedule, such as taking a walk, put you in touch with people who 20046974 cooking or volunteering.
Practice gratitude. Expressing Continued from Page 15 gratitude to others can help reduce Mobilize African... your stress. 9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly “The AfCFTA is a lot more than goods Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure, and merchandise; the services sector make certain your lifestyle changes are working, and alert you and are probably as important, from logistics, your doctor to potential health telecommunications, to trade, finance complications. Blood pressure monitors are available widely and and non-bank financial services,” without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring bring everyone to the zone of AfCFTA, “we will boost intra-Africa before you get started. comfort. However, even with all trade, increase market size, depth Regular visits with your doctor these guarantees, success depends and diversity increase opportunities are also key to controlling your on a shift in the mindset,” he said, for business, consumers, producers, blood pressure. If your blood “adding the continent needs to diversify our economies to complex pressure is well-controlled, check “ understand that trade today is not products thereby expanding fiscal with your doctor about how often what it was thirty years ago. possibilities”. you need to check it. Your doctor “The AfCFTA is a lot more than He said it was only by so doing that may suggest checking it daily or goods and merchandise; the services the continent can build resilience in less often. If you’re making any sector are probably as important, the current global systems and avoid changes in your medications or from logistics, telecommunications, the demographic cliffs. other treatments, your doctor may to trade, finance and non-bank Forty-four African countries signed recommend you check your blood financial services,” Mr. Kaberuka pressure starting two weeks after said, adding tariffs were only one the AfCFTA in Rwanda in March, an treatment changes and a week part of the problem. agreement establishing a free trade before your next appointment. “At the end of the day it is by area seen as vital to the continent’s economic development. At least 22 10. Get support promoting economic growth through trade and investment that member countries should ratify the Supportive family and friends can fiscal space will emerge - that is agreement before it goes into force. help improve your health. They the promise of the AfCFTA,” said may encourage you to take care of Mr. Kaberuka, adding through the SOURCE: ECA Communications
UN Staff Voice 25 EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES UNTIL NOW
Mr. Robert Gardiner is a national Mr. Issa Ben Yacine Diallo is a of Ghana. He was the Under- national of Guinea-Conakry He Secretary-General and Executive was the Under- Secretary General Secretary of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa United Nations ECA (ECA) from 1961 to 1975. from 1991 to 1992.
Mr. Robert K.A Mr.Issa Diallo Gardiner (Ghana) (Guinea)
(1959 - 1961) (1975 - 1991) (1992 - 1995)
(1961 - 1975) (1991 - 1992)
Mr. Mekki Abbas Mr. Adebayo Adedeji Mr. Layashi Yaker (Sudan) (Nigeria) (Algeria)
Mr. Mekki Abbas was born Professor Adebayo Adedeji Mr. Layashi Yaker is from in Sudan. He was the first is from Nigeria. He was the Algeria. He was the Under- Under- Secretary-General Under- Secretary-General Secretary-General and and Executive Secretary and Executive Secretary of Executive Secretary of the of the United Nations ECA the United Nations ECA United Nations ECA from 1959 to 1961. from 1975 to 1991. from 1992 to 1995. 26 UN Staff Voice Mr. Kingsley Y. Amoako is a Mr. Lopes was appointed UN national of Ghana. He was Assistant-Secretary-General the Under-Secretary-General Executive Secretary of the and Executive Secretary of the United Nations ECA United Nations ECA from 2012-2016 from 1995 to 2005.
Mr. Kingsley Amoako Mr. Carlos Lopes (Ghana) (Guinea-Bissau)
(1992 - 1995) (2005 - 2012) (2017 - Present)
(1995 - 2005) (2012 - 2016)
Mr. Layashi Yaker Mr. Abdoulie Janneh Mrs. Vera Songwe (Algeria) (Gambia) (Cameroon)
Mr. Layashi Yaker is from Mr. Abdoulie Janneh is from Mrs. Vera Songwe is from Algeria. He was the Under- the Gambia. He was the the Cameroon. She is the Secretary-General and Under- Secretary-General Under- Secretary-General Executive Secretary of the and Executive Secretary of and Executive Secretary of United Nations ECA the United Nations ECA the United Nations ECA from 1992 to 1995. from 2005 to 2012. from 2017 to present. UN Staff Voice 27 Interview
does their chores for them. One because the fact that it is coming of them said she also has a cousin out now doesn’t mean it is a new that encourages her; this cousin thing; it is actually something that has finished high school and is now has always been there. The bigger at the University. Even now these question is, why there was so much changes that are happening in silence around it? Now that it is societies are quiet organic. “The fight begins being voiced, we need to celebrate! with the validation You can’t really solve something At the same time some of the things nobody is willing to talk about and that still happen to women shock of people’s humanity put on the table. me. The abuse and harassment of irrespective of who It is important to also note who women is something that persists they are. I teach my is talking about it - the victims. I not just in rural areas but even daughter everyday to am thrilled that it is now in the when the woman is educated. So, open and the victims’ voices are it is a mixed picture but definitely recognize everyone’s being heard. What is happening much better than my mom’s time. humanity because is powerful and I certainly think it once you are face is a healthy trend. To be honest, it Any thoughts in regards to “ is also depressing that these issues the wider implications of the to face with another exist on the levels we are seeing! recently trending #metoo person on the basis movement? How did you feel of their humanity, you Social media has become a huge watching it unfold? tool for activism. Could these are less likely to be conversation be useful even in When I saw what was happening, I violent or to devalue a country like Ethiopia where didn’t know wether to laugh or cry them.” Continued on Page 33
28 UN Staff Voice Annual Professor Adebayo Adedeji Lecture
2018 Conference of Ministers innovation action plans, strategies social transformation. This Africa special side event in honour of and policies. The African Union’s of the future will be constructed the late Professor Calestous Juma latest science, technology and with the United Nations Sustainable The deliberate and purposeful innovation master plan, the Science, Development Goals (Agenda 2030) deployment of science, technology Technology and Innovation Strategy and Agenda 2063 of the African and innovation to achieve and for Africa 2024 (STISA 2024), places Union as important driving forces. improve development outcomes science, technology and innovation Both agendas assign a leading remains a central challenge in at the centre of the continent’s role to technology and innovation, Africa. Countries have grappled social and economic development identifying these as important with this challenge ever since their and growth. The theme of this means of implementation. Frontier immediate post-independence year’s annual Adebayo Adedeji technologies such as artificial years. Africa’s persistent low ranking Lecture is “Envisioning a science, intelligence, pervasive computing, on all measures of economic technology and innovation future biotechnology, nanotechnology and development shows that success on for Africa in the context of the new energy storage technologies this score has been rare and that a Sustainable Development Goals will play a role in shaping that great deal still has to be done for and Agenda 2063”. The lecture African countries to successfully honoured Professor Juma, an ardent future. New continental integration harness science, technology advocate of an African future arrangements, notably the recently and innovation to achieve their shaped by science, technology and signed African Continental Free development objectives and innovation, who died in December Trade Agreement, are also likely transform, in far-reaching ways, the 2017. The lecture explored an to play an important role in lives of their people. Confronting Africa of the future where science, shaping that future. The lecture and overcoming this challenge technology and innovation play was followed by a moderated has instigated many national and an important role as impetus and panel discussion with audience continental science, technology and underpinning of structural and participation.
UN Staff Voice 29 STAFF CONTRIBUTIONS A Golden Anniversary of UNSSCA Five decades ago in April 1968, opportunity to make savings and to a Financial Club was established create for them a source of credit by the Staff of the United Nations for provident purposes”. Therefore, Economic Commission for Africa UNSSCA’s establishment, growth (UNECA) known as the ECA Staff and assertiveness have served Savings Club. That was the first a purpose in demonstrating to memorable moment for today’s UN community in Ethiopia just United Nations Staff Savings and what can be achieved through Credit Association (UNSSCA) which perseverance and commitment, was subsequently enlarged in 1978 when the cause is an impartial one. when the Staff of the other UN family of Organizations working in Since the time of its Ethiopia joined it. establishment, the Association has seen exponential growth in Twenty Eighteen is also one of the its membership as well as in its unforgettable years in the history total assets and its financial base of UNSSCA. It is more remarkable to meet Members’ loan demands. Abeje Belew since the Association will celebrate Today, UNSSCA serves more than UNSSCA its Golden Anniversary this year. 3,000 Members not only working The Association is very proud in Ethiopia but also those who are to reach this stage without at the various ECA Sub Regional breaking its objective for which Offices (SROs) and UN Agencies it was originally created for – i.e. Field Offices. “to promote thrift amongst its Members by affording them an The UNECA Staff Savings Club, as it
UN FAMILY CORNER
Do you have passionate children’s or family member to tell their own story over different maters? If yes, then this page is designed for them so that they can share their views with the staffs of UN. email us on [email protected] Peace on Earth Life has its ups and downs because the other. So an argument arises threatened with their lives. we need a lot of things in our due to inability to compromise and So I suggest we stop taking daily lives. Among these things, gradually leading to a fight. extreme sides and move towards having peace in our lives is the most As a solution to this, I believe the the middle ground that holds parts important. Peace is the state of “middle way” is the road to peace. of everyone’s interest. Thinking as being where there is no violence. Because most people are ignorant, humanly as possible will bring peace These days, war has become a they do not see this middle road to all of the world. We can change common daily topic all over the and take extreme sides based on our world by positively thinking world. People go to war when a their beliefs. This brings war. solution that brings peace can’t People who see the middle way towards the middle ground which be found. According to my are activists who feel responsible can make us all happy. observation, there are three ways to show the way but get dwarfed to follow. But almost everyone in or overwhelmed by the insanity of By: Kaleb Bruck these war areas take one side or the majority and get in trouble or Age: 11 30 UN Staff Voice was originally named, was founded contributed over the past 50 years have served UNSSCA in various on the principles of assistance and a to make UNSSCA the success it has capacities as well as a programme desire to bring affordable financial accomplished. I wish to, therefore, for charitable contribution and services to its Members. Few would take this opportunity to express, entertainment, among others. This have believed half a century ago on behalf of my predecessors, my event would help all stake holders that the Association would have colleagues currently working and to look at the past and re-examine risen to the heights it has reached on my own behalf, my profound our direction to put strategy for the today. and heartfelt “thank you” to all way forward so that UNSSCA will those who have contributed to continue to have a strong presence The last fifty years have been rich UNSSCA’s success during this in the UN community in Ethiopia
with significant achievements long journey. I also wish to extend and SROs. It also serves as a venue and change for UNSSCA. These my special thanks to the Division to strengthen its continued aim of landmark records are all the result of Administrations of all the providing financial services for its of the relentless efforts made by the collaborating UN Agencies and ECA Members with the firm cooperation Board of Directors, Members of the for their continued assistance. of ECA and all other UN Agencies various Organs and the Employees. located in Addis Ababa who have Of course, the lion share of the This 50Th Anniversary is, therefore, greatly assisted UNSSCA since its credit goes to all the Members for an opportunity to celebrate inception. I am confident that all their significant collaboration. UNSSCA’s success, reinforce distinguished Members will join us connections between Members on May 8, 2018 as we remember No occasion like this would and the office of UNSSCA and and celebrate the beauty of be complete without a full reaffirm our core values. The small things and what they have appreciation of the efforts of program includes recognition of the accomplished for you and your all those who have significantly founding Members and those who family since 1968.
My Ambition
I remember when I was about seven the moon for me, so I could hold two years later I discovered that years old my father used to take it. I don’t know if I look this as a Saturn’s rings were made of gas me outside, at night, to watch the stepping stone, I wanted to learn and minuscule fragments of ice sky. We used to gaze up the stars more about our universe. (Which totally dumped my hopes) and he’d tell me to focus on the So, I read more books and watched sky as hard as I could and tell him Seeing my interest, my parents more documentaries I decided I what I saw. He thought me how bought me various books about wanted to be an astrophysicist, not to recognize a few constellations, space and astronomy, and of an astronaut. To add fuel in my Drion’s belt, a trio of stars that course, I continuously bombarded passion, my parents took me to shine a bit more brightly compared them with questions. I read about Canada and I visited a space center, to other stars with his finger, he’d basic stuff like our solar system and here in Ethiopia the Entoto indicate the luminous venues, a and stars. I particularly remember observatory. planet and Sirius, a very bright aspirating to be the Neil Armstrong star. He also told me that I used of Saturn and sit on its rings and to cry begging him to bring down spin around till I got dizzy. Sadly, Continued on Page 33
UN Staff Voice 31 TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR ADEBAYO ADEDEJI
The entire staff of the United integrated, prosperous and peaceful Eminent Persons. He continued to Nations Economic Commission for Africa, driven by its own citizens engage in debates and discussions Africa (ECA) mourns the passing of and representing a dynamic force in on pathways and strategies for Professor Adebayo Adedeji, who international arena’. Africa’s development. In 2007, Prof. passed away on 25 April 2018. Adedeji was appointed as Chair of a panel by the African Union Professor Adedeji served as the to audit the various organs of the Executive Secretary of ECA from AU and make recommendations, a 1975-1991. He was greatly responsibility that was discharged respected for his leadership and creditably well. contribution to changing the Africa will miss, but fondly discourse of Africa’s development remember Prof. Adedeji as an agenda. He was a visionary and illustrious son, who gave his life, proponent of Pan-Africanism. energy, passion and intellectual gift He vigorously advocated for a to the Continent. more integrated Africa, whose development foundation is based For us at ECA, he was our on national self-reliance and home- inspiration for the delivery of grown solutions. flagship outputs, such as the Assessing Regional Integration Professor Adedeji was a true icon, publication and the African an outstanding scholar, thinker and He worked tirelessly to reverse the Governance Report. As ECA activist, who was passionate about adverse impact of the Structural Executive Secretary from 1975 to Africa’s development. He will always Adjustment Program (SAP) on 1991, he actively promoted the be remembered for his unique economies and led the development creation of other regional initiatives, contributions to the sustainable of Africa’s Alternative Framework including the Preferential Trade development of Africa. to Structural Adjustment Programs Area (PTA), which subsequently for Socio-Economic Recovery and became COMESA. Other notable For over four decades, he was Transformation (AAF-SAP), which achievements of ECA under his one of the foremost promoters charted a new course for Africa’s leadership include the Final Act of regional integration in Africa. development. of Lagos (1980). His tenure at In the early 1970s, as Nigeria’s ECA saw the institution become a Minister for Economic Development Prof. Adedeji also supported efforts leading Pan-African platform and an and Reconstruction, he led the at democratization in Africa. The intellectual think tank. negotiations that gave birth to Arusha Declaration on the African the Economic Community of West Charter on Popular Participation in It, therefore, goes without saying African States (ECOWAS), earning Development and Transformation that we must credit the historical him the title “Father of ECOWAS”. in Africa of 1990 had ECA playing signing of the African Continental a major role under Adedeji’s Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on 21 His ardent belief in Africa’s leadership. March 2018 to the influential integration led to the development leadership of Professor Adedeji. of the Lagos Plan of Action. In retirement, Prof. Adedeji His contributions to regional continued to serve the continent The Annual Adebayo Adedeji integration are embodied in Africa’s in various capacities, notably, as Lecture Series, an annual discourse development framework, Agenda Chair of the African Peer Review on contemporary issues that frame 2063, for the realization of ‘An Mechanism (APRM) Panel of his vision, is a commemoration of
32 UN Staff Voice My Ambition... Continued from Page 31
So, I read more books and watched more documentaries I decided I wanted to be an astrophysicist, not an astronaut. To add fuel in my passion, my parents took me to Canada and I visited a space center, and here in Ethiopia the Entoto observatory.
Nowadays, I am reading numerous The universe would expand till Unless the internet lies then there books on space, science fiction, and reached maximum size and began are many different testimonials to actual“ reality by Stephen Hawking shrinking but the time arrow the fact extraterrestrial civilizations and other scientific works by other and the thermodynamic arrow exist. Things like messages from authors. I want to be like Stephen (Thermodynamic arrow – the the Andromeda and buildings and Hawking perhaps even better. I ask arrow of direction in which the skeletons on the moon, UFO’s in myself... why do we exist? Why universe expands) travel in the same Ancient Egyptian Hierglyphics. Who do things exist instead of vacuum? direction, time would start going knows, they could be out there… If the universe is expanding (as backwards and you would die a student show) into what? before you were born and things I pray that my dreams and Nothingness? Do aliens exist? Do like that and the universe would aspirations materialize and l’d I have an initial purpose in this shrink back to zero size and end. become a famous Astrophysicist Universe? Why does the universe Other theories say that as time goes representing Ethiopia, waving my work the way it does? Are there any all nuclear forces and fuels would Ethiopian flag. I want to decode all other universes? My heads spins end in the Universe and it’d freeze these mysteries since antiquity and with questions. to its end. I want to sign. my name as ‘Amani from Ethiopia” I wondered about the singularities Some say at the end all things from of the universe (the Big Bang, Big the biggest galaxies to the smallest crunch, etc…) The Big Bang seems atoms the universe would rip Amani Adem like a plausible theory except that apart and cause a disaster. No one Age 11 things explode out of nowhere. completely groks Quantum physics 6th grader There are several theories about the and Dark Matter, Staring theories, Flipper International school universes end. etc… Also, what if aliens exist? “VIOLENCE FREE... Continued from Page 28 internet penetration is so low? places like Ethiopia. Radio is a good If someone were to give you a example. We need to leverage what magic wand and it can change Social media has created an is already there and has a wide one thing in order to improve unparalleled platform for activism reach. However, when we eventually the lives of women around the but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t have 100 percent coverage, it is world, what would you do? other media that can be tapped going to be transformative. Educate every girl! into while internet usage grows in his contribution to development on continuing the work he started. as well as the people of Africa and the African continent. to all who have been impacted by We at ECA offer our deepest his life and grieve with us. As we mourn this immense loss, we condolences to his family, to the commit to honoring his legacy and Government, the people of Nigeria, Vera Songwe
UN Staff Voice 33 Snapshots
Opening of the Conference of Ministers 2018 The 51st session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Addis Ababa
STEPS: Analysis of five countries
Structural Transformation with a focus on Employment, Production and Society (STEPS) Analysis of five countries: Ethiopia, Cameroon, Morocco, Zambia and Benin A Side event of the Conference of Ministers 2018, 13 May STEPS Profiles aim to be a strategic vehicle to produce and disseminate country and region-specific data and policy analysis on structural transformation, with a view to promoting sustainable economic and social development in member States. This side event introduced the STEPS4SD framework and presents the pilot STEPS Profiles that have been produced to date.
34 UN Staff Voice Snapshot from the opening of the Confrence of Ministers 2018
UN Staff Voice 35 “THE GREATER GOAL IS ACHIEVING HAPPINESS”
NEO JANE MASISI Photo by Sol Image Sol by Photo
36 UN Staff Voice STAFF CORNER Profile
I knew that education was the key to a successful life. My father passed away when I was only seven, so I viewed my mother as head of the family from then on. She is hardworking, extremely principled, supportive, and a firm believer in self – discipline. I learned to set a high “ standard for myself from my parents. Briefly introduce yourself to us. decided that I needed to venture during the eighteen months pre not only out of Gaborone but of my Umoja deployment up until a few I was born 46 years ago in country. months after deployment. I enjoyed Francistown, Botswana to the being on the Deployment Team late Mr. Baruki Maswabi and Mrs. Where did you go to the and ultimately joining the UNHQ Irene Maswabi. I am the first of six university and what did you end Deployment Team for Grants. children. I spent most of my life up studying? in Botswana where I studied and Above all, what better organization I am an accountant by profession. worked in the Private Sector. In can one work for, being part of I attained Chartered Institute of 2004, I joined the United Nations the UN family gives me so much Management Accountants (CIMA) - first at the Headquarters in New satisfaction; although I am in a – from the Debswana Accountancy York and then at the Economic support function I know I am Training Centre and MBA from De Commission for Africa in Addis contributing to the continent’s Monfort University. Currently, I am Ababa, Ethiopia. I also worked development right from my desk. not pursuing any degrees, but I briefly in Central African Republic. am certainly interested in studying Do you take work home with I got married to Mr. Mokgweetsi further. you? Masisi in 2002 and we have a How has your work at the ECA In early days I used to take work beautiful daughter, Atsile, who is been like? home, but after I had my child I now twelve years old. I also have a learned about work-life balance; large extended family from both my My job at UNECA has been very one needs to balance. I achieve parent’s sides, who have also been interesting. Moving from UNHQ maximum productivity at work to an integral part of my upbringing. where one tends to work in a very have quality time with family. specialized environment, UNECA Where did you grow up? afforded me exposure to the Who is your role model, and I grew up and went to school in client areas i.e. I now have a fair why? Gaborone, Botswana where my appreciation of the Programmes at I was fortunate because both my parents were working. Most of my the Commission and I am familiar parents were university graduates; formative experiences were in the with the Programme Management which meant they had good jobs city I grew up in. Staying in one Cycle within the substantive areas. and were able to expose us to an place provided stability but I later My job was also very exciting
UN Staff Voice 37 averagely decent life. From an early The realization that people do decisions even at the risk of being age, I knew that education was not always mean what they unpopular. the key to a successful life. My say, unfortunately for me this Do you see yourself as a father passed away when I was awakening came at a very late successful person? How do you only seven, so I viewed my mother stage of my life and gave me quite evaluate success? as head of the family from then a knock. on. She is hardworking, extremely I believe success is a relative term; What do people most often principled, supportive, and a the main thing is ensuring I achieve criticize about you? firm believer in self – discipline. I the life goals that I have made learned to set a high standard for I could be criticised for striving for for myself at all levels: personal, myself from my parents. too much perfection and hence career, financial etc. I am content being over cautious at times.My with what I have achieved thus My husband, who comes from daughter criticizes me for being ‘an far and I live by the ‘gratitude a political family, has also been animal of habit’! mantra’. Naturally, one can never a powerful role model. He is say they are successful, we always extremely hardworking and What kind of decisions do you want to achieve more; behind all possesses a strong conviction find are the most difficult to this, the greater goal is achieving that anything is possible if you make? happiness. really want it. He supports and I do not find it difficult to make Are you involved in any encourages me to challenge myself decisions at all; both in my community organizations? to achieve more. professional and personal life. I am What has been the greatest generally a very decisive person; I am a member of the International disappointment in your life? most times I make deliberate Evangelical Church based here
38 UN Staff Voice in Addis Ababa, where I have day, every effort I make adds to served as a Sunday School the reason for the existence of Teacher in the past. the United Nations makes me Do you have a nickname? feel good. In particular , being one of the few nationals within At home, yes I have numerous the Secretariat from Botswana nicknames ranging from, Nono, who are serving in this noble Newi, Neuza. In the office, I have organization makes me feel no idea- it would be interesting great. to know! Name one thing about Your favorites things. yourself that most people Books - self-development type don’t know. Quote – ‘Whatever the mind can I have been conservative in conceive and believe, the mind talking about about the fact can achieve ‘ Napoleon Hill that my husband is a politician. Most people do not know that Poem – ‘Still I Rise’by Maya next month, come April 1, my Angelou husband will ascend as President Food – Botswanan beef of Botswana; which means I Music Genre – as I transition into will be the First Lady, hence my old age , I find I enjoy African departure at the end of March. Music a lot What are your hobbies? What are your greatest I enjoy traveling, dancing, stresses and what causes you swimming, I do Zumba on days the most anxiety in your life? when I am disciplined, eating I have been very fortunate that out with friends and spending I have never allowed stress to quality time with my family. befriend me. If issues do arise, Any closing thoughts? surrounding myself with positive people who love life has been It is so gratifying working at particularly useful. the UN! It is an organization that definitely transforms you What is most rewarding into embracing humanity more. about your job; what makes It also converts one into an it all worthwhile? automatic ambassador of service UNKnowing Staff thatVoice at the end of the across the world. 39 STAFF CORNER
THE DISEASE MISSION WAS EXPERIENCE UNFORGIVABLE
can be infected immediately, with almost no chances to be cured. once we arrived and saw hotels- Mama Keita joined the ECA in 2011 and works full of civil society organization for the Macro-economic Policy Division. members and UN Staff that came to assist, we felt at ease. Life felt normal in exception of the extreme hygiene measures everyone had to take at all times. As soon as we arrived at the airport and thereafter anywhere else, we were given Tell us about your mission. sanitizers. The authorities of the I was designated as a focal point for the Macro- countries we visited were very economic Policy Division to undertake field missions welcoming and pleased to have us. to the Ebola-affected countries in 2014. The main Tell us about the team you objective of the mission was to go and express ECA’s worked with. solidarity to the authorities of the affected countries - Guinea, Liberia, and Guinea. At the time these On the ground, we first met with countries were seen as “no-go areas”. Some airlines the UN country teams to assess had even suspended flights there and travel advisories and understand the context, the telling citizens to avoid these countries were put out. complexity of the situation, and In this context, ECA’s senior management found it the means and the commitment of extremely important to go and express solidarity with the government and its partners these member states. to attend fast to the most urgent needs. We then met with several The other objectives of the mission included collecting ministers to express ECA’s solidarity data for the elaboration an ECA report that explores with their countries. the socio-economic impacts of Ebola in Africa and to assess the needs of the countries in the aftermath of In addition, we got together with that crisis. technical people from several public administration departments, The mission took us to Freetown, Monrovia, and and with CSOs and other non- Guinea. It was a bit scary to be going there, given all state actors in order to assess the that could be read from the press. The disease was economic and social impacts of the unforgivable: you touch something wrong and you outbreak. We wanted to know who were the most affected, through
40 UN Staff Voice what channels, and the impact of countries should be subject to spreading further. It was therefore the disease on the macroeconomic monitoring for a period of 21 extremely important to have air level of each country. days. Doctors would then come transport means to carry all this to your house every day and take material. At a macroeconomic level, the temperature of you and all we found that some fruit and Please share with us one of your family members. I know it was a vegetable producers lost a favorite memories from your necessary measure for the country, major part of their production mission. but I felt guilty to have to impose because the situation occasioned that on my family members. On our way back, we had a the suspension of commercial stopover in Casablanca, Morocco. exchanges across some countries What inspired you during your It was unbelievable how well they of the region. We also found mission? treated us, knowing that we were that the outbreak had caused I felt that African people are brave. coming from the Ebola-affected food insecurity in several places, Despite all the drama and risks countries. Then they explained to us particularly affecting women and that was taking place and these that they would have to monitor our children. Most health centers three countries, life still continued health remotely, that they would had stopped functioning because following its course. People be calling us every morning and we people were too scared to go continued to fight for their living. should be on standby to respond. there. They gave to each of us a mobile I also felt the expression of What challenges did you phone with a sim card to enable solidarity is an important African experience during your mission daily communication. When leaving value we should try to preserve or afterward? Casablanca, we tried to return the for generations. For example, telephones but they said it was a I did not have major challenges Royal air Morocco was one of gift. during the mission. My main the few airlines that did not stop challenges started upon return. their activities in the affected Before I conclude I have to say that First, when I came back home, countries during the outbreak. I visited Ebola-affected countries the idea that I could have been Having airlines willing to fly into twice. After the second visit, when infected was always present in me, the countries were crucial because I came back to Addis, my family and and I was terrified of the thought that is how the affected areas I had to go through the 21 days that I could transmit the disease received medical kits and other aid monitoring every morning again. to my family. Second is that from the international community. The doctor who was assigned to us Ethiopia adopted this preventive The movement of medical goods that time around was so kind that measure whereby every person was paramount if they were we built an excellent relationship. who had visited Ebola-affected to prevent the outbreak from
UN Staff Voice 41 AREGASH LODGE
Direction
Aregash lodge lies 317 kms south of Addis Ababa in the small town of Yirgalem in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State. Take the addis ababa - Moyale/ Kenya international road, pass the city of Hawasa till you get to the Aposto junction. Yrgalem is located 8 kms northeast of Aposto junction. Cross the town until the asphalt road ends, then keep going for another kilometer and take the first turn on the left. Aregash lodge is situated 400 meters along this road. The road is accessible all year long with any type of vehicle. Nestled between coffee fields and lush vegetation in Yirgalem town Aregash lodge is a peaceful heaven for those who seek relaxation and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle Leave of everyday life. The bamboo thatched tukuls of Aregash lodge are built in the style of a traditional Sidama village. Each bungalow is decorated with vibrant colors and furnished in the traditional Sidama style to give a warm, luxurious feel Restaurant
Built from traditional Sidama bamboo, the restaurant can office seat up to fifty people . There is also an open-air terrace with a spectacular view where you can enjoy your meal accompanied by the sound of birds. The restaurant can also be used as aconference hall upon arrangement. Aregash lodge provides a wide variety of Italian- behind influenced continental cuisine, traditional Ethipian food, as well as traditional Sidama food prepared by our chef. A corkage fee will be charged for any drink brought The purpose of this corner is to into Aregash lodge. Bringing food is give some important information not allowed. and tips to the staff of UN, where Scenery these include guided treks you can mingle with others and to the nearby forest; horseback and have some fun after you leave the mountain bike riding and visits to office. Additionally, this corner also historical caves, sacred sites and will entertain suggestion from UN natural hot and cold water springs. staff. Send [email protected]
42 UN Staff Voice Attractions & activities
The coffee plantation and the nightly visits of jackals and hyenas are further attractions to be found in the surrounding area. Whatever your preference , aregash lodge organizes a variety of activities to allow you to explore the surrounding countryside. These include guided treks to the nearby forest; horseback and mountain bike riding and visits to historical caves, sacred sites and natural hot and cold water springs. Facts about yirgalem
Yirgalem (also spelled Yrgalem and yrga alem) is a town in southern ethiopia. Located 260 kilometers south of addis ababa and 40 kilometers south of awasa in the sidama zone of the southern nations, nationalities, and peoples region (or kilil), the town has a latitude and longtitude of 6â°45â´n 38â°25â´e and an elevation of 1776 meters. Based on figures from the central statistical agency of ethiopia published in 2005, iragalem has an estimated total population of 43,815 of whom 21,840 were males and 21,975 females. According to the 1994 national census, the town had a population of 24,183.
SOURCES: Different Sources
UN Staff Voice 43 DIPLOMATIC CORNER
The main purpose of this page is to promote, introduce and acquaint one another to the cultures, attires, food and beverages of countries that have an embassy or representative office in Addis Ababa. Through this page the featured countries will get an opportunity to introduce their culture, attire, food and beverages, but not limited only to these issues. You can send your issues through to the editors through, [email protected]
NINE WOMEN that Changed the Face of Belgium
Women have played a huge role in shaping Belgium. While it is impossible to include every Belgian heroine in this list, we would like to highlight some women who were pioneers in their field.
Isala Van Diest Having studied medicine in Switzerland and practised for a while in England, Isala Van Diest became the first female Belgian doctor in England in 1879 and in Belgium in 1884.
Marie-Anne Libert In the 19th century, Marie-Anne Libert, the first Belgian botanist and mycologist, identified the cause of ‘mildew’ - diseases affecting many plant species - as well as the fungus that causes potato disease.
44 UN Staff Voice Isabelle Gatti de Gamont The education system saw the first secondary school for girls founded by Isabelle Gatti de Gamont in Brussels in 1864. No fewer than 18 liberally- inspired schools were founded under her name.
Hélène Dutrieu Marie Popelin In 1910, former cycling champion Hélène In the legal sphere, Marie Popelin made Dutrieu became the first Belgian pilot when she a real name for herself as our country’s obtained her pilot’s licence from the Belgian first lawyer (1888), despite constantly Aeroclub. being turned down by the Belgian bar to practise law.
Margerite de Riemacker-Legot In politics, Margerite de Riemacker-Legot was the first woman to rise through the ranks in our country, from attachée in the cabinet of Minister Henri Pauwels to member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives; she was also a delegate to the United Nations, member of the European Parliament, Minister for Family and Housing and, lastly, the first Belgian Minister of State in 1965.
Germaine Van Parijs industry. She went on to manage the Liefmans brewery Germaine Van Parijs, the first Belgian photojournalist, and is still a key icon respected throughout the beer worked for the newspaper Le Soir, among others. She industry. was elected best photographer in Belgium after the First World War and founded her own agency, Van Parijs These women, and many others, played an active role Media in 1956. in improving the status of women, as evidenced, for example, by the 60% of women in the first year of Danielle Levillez medical studies, or the - still very low - 7 to 8% of In Defence, it was not until 1970 that jobs in the women in the Army. There is also a link between some Belgian Army finally opened up to women, and in of these women, with Van Diest and Popelin founding 1979 Danielle Levillez launched her military career as the Belgian League of Women’s Rights together and a pharmacist. She later became the first female Major appearing side by side on thousands of two-euro General in the Belgian Army. coins. Popelin also taught in one of Gatti de Gamont’s schools. Rosa Mercx Rosa Mercx was the first Belgian woman to forge a SOURCE: Story suggested by The Embassy of Belgium in Addis career in the very traditional and male-oriented beer Ababa. Reprinted from Focus on Belgium.
UN Staff Voice 45 Word Puzzle
ACROSS 1. Contributes 5. Small amount 10. Counterfoil 14. Farm building 15. Serf 16. Prong 17. Decorative case 18. Designed to be filled with air 20. Dawdler 22. Artist’s workroom 23. Obtain 24. Interprets written material 25. The distribution of forces 32. Extraterrestrial 33. Love intensely 34. Not bottom 7. Alien Life Form 51. Schnozzola 37. Applications 8. Soft drink 52. Mimics 38. Hot 9. French for “State” 53. Plateau 39. Overhang 10. Not fresh 54. Close 40. What we sleep on 11. Leg bone 55. Therefore 41. S-shaped moldings 12. Lacking leadership 56. Optimistic 42. Master of ceremonies 13. Ales 58. It is (poetic) 43. Belongings 19. Brusque 45. Something of value 21. Many millennia 49. Children’s game 25. Apply 50. Endurance 26. If not 53. Griever 27. Multicolored 57. Chopper 28. Flowing tresses 59. Relating to aircraft 29. Borders 60. At one time (archaic) 30. Like the Vikings 61. Earthquake 31. Attempt 62. Badgers 34. Meal in a shell 63. Oceans 35. Baking appliance 64. An analytic literary composition 36. P P P P 65. “Iliad” city 38. Since 39. Emigree DOWN 41. Sight-related 1. Cain’s brother 42. Brother of Jacob 2. Information 44. Tempestuous 3. Medication 45. Fire residues 4. Catches eels 46. Cubic meter 5. 30 47. Chip dip 6. Cleave 48. Gives forth
46 UN Staff Voice UNDP NEWS Celebrating Ethiopia’s Enterprises : Renewable Energy Technologies for the Rural Community
Fourteen enterprises from across Ethiopia have been selected to re- ceive small grants for their promo- tion of renewable energy technolo- gies for household and productive use, particularly in the rural areas.
Each enterprise was given US 5,000 at a special ceremony held in Addis Ababa following the first round of national competition open to enter- prises from all regions that attracted 47 submissions. The jury included The fourteen enterprises selected in the first round of national competition were provided with USD 5,000 in grant to help them enhance their innovative ideas on renewable energy technologies staff from Ministry of Water Irriga- tion and Electricity (MoWIE), Min- Rural Energy Technologies (RETs) for opment Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) and istry of Environment, Forestry and Household and Productive Use and UNCDF. The Global Environment Climate Change (MoFECC), Ministry is in line with the global Sustainable Facility (GEF) is channeling US$4.1 of Science and Technology Entre- Energy for All (SE4All) initiative. It million in financing through UNDP. preneurship Development Centre also complements national prior- (EDC), Federal Small and Medium ities, such as those encompassed Ethiopia currently has one of the Manufacturing Industries Develop- within the Ethiopia’s energy policy fastest growing economies in Africa ment Agency, Federal Urban Job as well as climate resilient green and is also second most populous Creation and Food Security Agency, economy strategy. country in the continent with both Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar factors making addressing energy University, Hawassa University and “There is no doubt that renewable needs a top priority. Mekele University. energy is key for Ethiopia’s trans- formation – especially given the Almost 90% of Ethiopia’s current “Small and Medium Enterprises fact that the country has the sec- energy consumption comes mostly (SME’s) are recognized as significant ond highest population number from biomass energy sources such generators of jobs and play par- in Africa and the fastest growing as fire wood and charcoal. More ticularly significant role in relation economy,” according to Ms. Ahunna than 18 million Ethiopian house- to enhancing the competitiveness Eziakonwa-Onochie, UN Resident holds need to switch to improved and productivity of RET in the coun- Coordinator, UNDP Resident Repre- cooking technologies for the coun- try” noted MOWIE State Minister Dr. sentative & UN Humanitarian Coor- try to be able to capture major car- Friehiwot W/Hanna highlighting dinator. bon abatement potential. the focus on the private sector. The UNDP supported project is Programme Analyst The grant is part of a wider five-year implemented by MoWIE in collab- [email protected] project on Promoting Sustainable oration with MoFECC, the Devel- [email protected]
UN Staff Voice 47 UNICEF NEWS EU and UNICEF launch a photo book on the success story of reducing malnutrition in Ethiopia
Today, the European Union (EU) and gained thus far in reducing stunt- “I would like to highlight the impor- UNICEF launched a photo book en- ing and malnutrition, on the health tance of long-term investments to titled “Ending malnutrition in Ethi- care utilization as well as maternal ensure that progress is sustained opia – A SUCCESS STORY” which and child mortality reduction and in ending malnutrition in Ethiopia. illustrates Ethiopia’s success story urged them to continue their sup- While the achievements we recog- in ending malnutrition, through the port until the targeted results are nize today are indeed a success sto- voices, stories and images of Ethio- achieved. ry, we cannot afford to rest on our pians. laurels. Undernutrition still remains Ambassador Johan Borgstam, Head a challenge and it requires us all to The nutrition photo book launch of EU delegation to Ethiopia on his redouble our efforts to ensure that and photo exhibition held in the part said, “It is an honour for me to every child enjoys better health and presence of Dr Abreham Alano, open this photo book and exhibi- nutrition,” said Ms Gillian Mellsop, Head of the SNNP Regional Health tion launching event today on a top- UNICEF Representative to Ethio- Bureau, H.E Ambassador Johan ic of malnutrition which is a priority pia. With the Government’s leader- Borgstam, Head of the European of both the Government of Ethio- ship and the strong commitment Union Delegation to Ethiopia, Ms pia and of the EU’s development of partners, this goal is achievable. Gillian Mellsop, UNICEF Represent- cooperation policy. Malnutrition is Let’s walk together with the same ative to Ethiopia and other key not only a major health problem af- single-minded determination, zeal, stakeholders from the Government fecting children and adults in part- and focus to end undernutrition in and other partners is a celebration ner countries, it also has important Ethiopia.” of the success achieved so far in economic and social dimensions the reduction of malnutrition in challenging their development by To further reduce these numbers, Ethiopia while advocating for con- deteriorating the well-being of their the EU has provided €10,000,000 tinued multi-sectoral efforts since entire population.” malnutrition among children and to support vulnerable populations women in Ethiopia remains a major Ethiopia has experienced rapid and in 17 woredas (districts) in Oromia, concern. sustained improvements in nutri- SNNP and Amhara regions of Ethio- tion during the past 15 years. For pia through a project entitled “Mul- It is also a celebration of how Ethi- instance, the country has seen a ti-sectoral interventions to improve opia has managed to sustain im- steady reduction in stunting – the nutrition security and strengthen provements in nutrition, yet also a fastest rate of improvement in Afri- resilience.” This joint action plan reminder of all the work that needs ca – as well as a significant decline which is being implemented by to be done to ensure everyone en- in the percentage of underweight UNICEF and FAO aims to contribute joys optimal nutrition. and wasted children. Yet, Ethiopia to the improvement of nutrition- remains in a precarious situation, al status of children, adolescents, On the occasion, Dr Abreham with large absolute numbers of af- pregnant and lactating women us- Alano, Head of the SNNP Regional fected children: 5 million children ing the life cycle approach. Health Bureau thanked the EU and are stunted and 1.3 million children UNICEF for their support in results under five suffer wasting. SOURCE UNICEF, 25 APRIL 2018, HAWASSA
48 UN Staff Voice UN Staff Voice 49 50 UN Staff Voice