On December 12, 2019, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Ethiopian Prime Minister and Board Chair of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), accompanied by Teshome Toga, Ethiopian Ambassador to China, visited the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM) at Tsinghua University. Zhu Xufeng, Associate dean of SPPM, executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals of Tsinghua University (TUSDG), and Guo Xinning, senior director of international programs of SPPM warmly welcomed H.E. Hailemariam and his delegation. During the visit, Hailemariam and his delegation held a brief meeting with Ethiopian students of SPPM. Afterwards, H.E. Hailemariam delivered a speech entitled " China-Africa Sustainable Development Cooperation: Agricultural Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation ".

On his arrival at SPPM, H.E. Hailemariam shook hands with each student and took a photo with them separately. In the meeting, Zhu Xufeng, on behalf of all the faculty and students of SPPM, extended a warm welcome to H.E. Hailemariam and introduced the development of SPPM and international programs. Guo Xinning introduced to guests the two  international programs: the International Master of Public Administration (IMPA) and the Master of International Development and Governance (MIDG). Students who attended the meeting warmly welcomed H.E. Hailemariam and introduced themselves and their study in Tsinghua University.  H.E. Hailemariam and ambassador Teshome Toga expressed their keen expectations in the hope that more students will come to study at Tsinghua University in future. They expressed their hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries will be enhanced in this way.

H.E. Hailemariam and his delegation Meeting with students and professors

 Group photo of H.E. Hailemariam and his delegation  with students and professors

After the meeting, H.E. Hailemariam delivered a speech in the auditorium on the first floor of SPPM. Zhu Xufeng hosted the speech and delivered a welcoming remarks. Zhu Xufeng first introduced the guests and professors of the SPPM present, then briefly introduced SPPM and TUSDG. Ambassador Teshome Toga made a speech, expressing his sincere gratitude for SPPM organizing the event, and talked about his expectations for China-Ethiopia relations. He especially expressed the hope that Tsinghua University could increase its cooperation with Ethiopia and help Ethiopia cultivate more talents.

Ambassador Teshome Toga Speaking

In the lecture, H.E. Hailemariam explained the importance of sustainable agriculture from the perspective of global climate change and put forward his own views on the future development of sustainable agriculture in Africa in the context of climate change. In addition, H.E. Hailemariam also talked about his impression of China, especially its achievements in poverty alleviation which is a stunning success. He believes Ethiopia should learn from China, find a development path suitable for its national conditions and promote the country's rapid development.

H.E. Hailemariam Speaking

After H.E. Hailemariam's speech, Xie Zheping, secretary general of the China-Africa Leadership Development Institute (CALDI), Tsinghua University , brought a special greeting from Mr. Getachew Engida, former Deputy Director-General of UNESCO and Co-Director of CALDI, wrote a letter to H.E. Hailemariam.

During the Q&A session, students were very enthusiastic and raised various questions on agricultural development and natural resources, climate change, China-Ethiopia relations, China-Africa relations, etc. The lecture ended with great success.

Students Asking Questions

Asaye Dejjenie, Minister Counsellor of the Ethiopian Embassy to China, and Andrew Cox, Chief of Staff & Strategy of AGRA also attended the activity. This activity  was hosted by the SPPM and co-sponsored by TUSDG, and supported by CALDI of Tsinghua University. In addition, AGRA actively coordinated the visit.

Q & A Session

Group Photo after the Speech

Gift-giving

About Hailemariam Desalegn:

Hailemariam Dessalegn Boshe, born in July 19th 1965 in Bolososore, Wolyita, served as the prime minster of Ethiopia from 2012 up to 2018. He made history by having one of the few peaceful power transitions in Africa. His term in office boasts sustained double digit economic growth spurred by several mega projects throughout his country.    Former university lecturer and Dean, Hailemariam has served as Vice President and President of the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional state. He also served as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.   After leaving office, Hailemariam co-founded and is the chairperson of Hailemariam & Roman Foundation. The foundation focuses on mother and child healthcare, prevention of non-communicable diseases, nutrition and climate smart agriculture and conservation-based ecotourism. In addition, he is serving as board member and chairperson of various local and international organization.  He is now the Board Chair of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). He also engages in giving public lectures on domestic and worldwide pressing issues.