Addis Ababa, June 27, 2023 (FBC) – The Russia-Africa on sustainable urban development forum was held today in Addis Ababa.
The forum was organized by the Embassy of the Russian Federation and the United Nations Association of Russia (UNA-Russia) in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
The event was held under a theme ‘Sustainable Urban Future: Exchange of Experience and Partnerships for Common Goals’ at the UNECA Conference Centre in Addis Ababa.
The program of the forum was covered with discussions and presentations dedicated to the development of urban communities and cooperation between regions and cities of Russia and Africa.
Different Russian regions have shared their experiences on sustainable urban development.
Present at the event were Ambassador of Russia to Ethiopia Mr. Evgeny Terekhin, UN and African Union Commission officials, high-level representatives of Russian and Ethiopian cities, academia, youth, and NGOs.
During his remarks at the forum, Ambassador Terekhin said that various Russian cities, including Moscow, are making great progress by being comfortable for their residents and that they can share their experience with African cities.
He said that sustainable urban development should not be measured by numbers, but by actual, visible growth.
Recalling that he lived in Ethiopia for decades, the ambassador added that Addis Ababa has been undergoing significant changes in the last four years.
The Russian Ambassador reiterated that his country supports the development and reform activities in Addis Ababa as well as other urban areas in the country.
It is indicated that today’s forum report will be an input to the upcoming Russia-Africa leaders’ forum, scheduled to be held next month in St. Petersburg, Russia.