
Executive Summary
Wars destroy families and communities, result in destruction of cities, and disrupt the social and economic fabric of nations. It takes decades to build a community but takes a few hours/days to destroy it. In Ethiopia in the last four months alone, millions have been displaced; thousands of schools, healthcare facilities, and social centers, have been destroyed; and the meagere infrastructure the country had has been severely affected. The Diaspora from all corners of the world has come forward to mobilize resources to support displaced communities. The Ethiopian government has also asked the Diaspora community to help support displaced people, re-build infrastructure and be the voice for 100+ million Ethiopians on world stages. This call to service is designed to engage diaspora community members traveling to Ethiopia for the upcoming Ethiopian Christmas to participate in the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, social facilities, and related activities.
Plenary Session Overview
The plenary session will include opening remarks from keynote speakers, first-hand information on the extent of the damage caused by the war from the regional leadership of the war-affected areas and the leadership of federal government ministries responsible for the major sectors (education, health, social services, tourism, and infrastructure). Brief outlines of the follow-up breakout sessions will also be provided. During the breakout sessions, discussions will be held to understand the specific extent of the damage in the different sectors and share ideas on how to organize and prepare for the post-war reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Registration is required to attend these sessions
Schedule

Monday January 10, 2021

In-Person: Ethiopian Skylight Hotel Grand Ballroom

Venue Virtual: Zoom session
Plenary Session Schedule
9:00 – 9:03 AM – Welcome and Program Schedule: Dr. Seble Mengesha, TASF EDSI President and Conference Co-chair
9:03 – 9: 10 AM – Diaspora Agency Remarks: Dr. Mohammed Edris, Deputy Director, Ethiopian Diaspora Agency
9:10 – 9:20 AM – Introducing the Format and Objectives of the Conference – Dr. Dereje Tessema, TASFA-EDSI Operation Lead and Conference Co-chair
9:20 – 9:35 AM – Welcome to Addis Ababa: (AA Mayor to be confirmed)
9:35 – 9:50 AM – Keynote Address: TBD ()
9:50 – 10:05 AM – Speaker #1 – Dr Yilkal Kefale, President, Amhara Regional State (to be confirmed)
10:05 – 10:20 AM – Speaker #2 – Mr. Awol Arba, President, Afar Regional State (to be confirmed)
10:20 – 10:35 AM – Speaker #3: Professor Berhanu Nega, Minister, Ministry of Education
10:35 – 10:50 AM Break
10:50 – 11:05 AM – Speaker # 4: Dr. Lia Tadesse, Minister, Ministry of Health
11:05 – 11:20 AM – Speaker # 5: Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister, Ministry of Women and Social Affairs
11:20 – 11:35 AM – Speaker #6: Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Minister, Ministry of Transport and Logistics
11:35 -11:45 AM – Speaker #7: Mr. Mitiku Kassa, Commissioner, National Diester Risk Management Commission
11:45 – 12:15 AM – Q & A
12:15 PM – Closing Remarks and Info on the Afternoon Session