Addis Ababa’s dev’t works receive praise from MUFPP delegates

Addis Ababa, October 13, 2024 (FBC) – Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP) representatives applauded the ongoing progress of Addis Ababa city, reaffirming their commitment to heightening partnership for urban development between Addis Ababa and others cities of  MUFPP.

During a recent visit to Addis Ababa, Filippo Gavazzeni, the Head of the MUFPP Secretariat at the city of Milan expressed his admiration for the capital city’s proactive approach in urban governance.

Gavazzeni told local news agency ENA that the collaboration between Milan and Addis Ababa is set to deepen, particularly through the joint organization of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP) regional forum for Africa, underscoring that both mayors have been recognized as champions of school feeding initiatives, paving the way for expanding programs that could benefit cities across the continent.

He described his first visit to Addis Ababa as “city of diplomacy and development” of Africa.

Witnessing the positive experiences of Addis Ababa, he emphasized the potential of the city  to serve as a model for other cities.

The innovative initiatives such as the school meal program at various feeding centers exemplify the city’s commitment to improving public services, he pointed out.

“The relationship between the city of Milan and Addis Ababa will continue to be strengthened, thanks to the MUFPP regional forum for Africa. Both mayors of Milan and Addis Ababa are champions mayors of school feedings. I am sure that our collaboration can continue on this field in order to expand this program in other cities in Africa,” he elaborated.

Both cities are poised to share their successes and strengthen their partnerships to ultimately fostering a collaborative approach to urban development and public health across Africa, he said.

Maureen Muketha, a Senior Associate at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Kenya Office, also shared her impressions of Addis Ababa, praising the city’s beautification efforts led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

She highlighted the importance of the new paved sidewalks, which encourage walking and promote a healthier lifestyle amidst rising non-communicable diseases like diabetes and obesity.

“Addis Ababa is a beautiful city. I like the initiative that the prime minister is currently running around paving float, pavements so that Ethiopian citizens and generally everyone in Addis can be able to walk. I like the walking culture that is being implemented here. Because, in Africa, we are beginning to see rising non communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, among others which are particularly attributed feeding habit but also lack of physical activity, ” she said

Encouraging citizens to walk is a significant step towards improving public health, she underlined.

Urging continued support for these developments, Muketha emphasized that such initiatives do not only enhance the urban landscape but also foster a culture of physical activity among residents.

“So, with paved slabs that I have seen in the street means that Ethiopians are encouraged to walk; this promotes physical activities among Ethiopians. I think it is a good thing. So, keep it up.”

The MUFPP is an international agreement among cities from all over the world, committed to develop sustainable food systems that are inclusive, resilient, safe and diverse, it was learned