DPM & FM stresses the need to forge genuine global cooperation to advance peace, prosperity aspirations

Addis Ababa, June 27, 2023 (FBC) – The First Extraordinary Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of Educational Cooperation (OEC) has opened earlier today at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen is chairing the ongoing Assembly.

The High-Level Policy Dialogue is being conducted under the theme ” Building the Organization We Deserve: Shaping the Multilateralism We Want”.

In his opening remarks, DPM & FM Demeke warmly welcomed the participants and assured them of Ethiopia’s continued commitment to live up to the responsibility as a host country and accord all the necessary support to the Secretariat of OEC so that it effectively promotes the interest of its Member States.

He also expressed his gratitude to serve as the Founding President of this Ministerial Session.

The existing global governance architecture is outdated and unfair, unable to address these complex challenges, Demeke noted and called for new global dynamics that require new ways of thinking about multilateralism. Creating an inclusive, fair, and effective global system that responds to the legitimate demands of the Global South should be top of the international agenda, the DPM and FM noted.

He stressed the fact that, we need to forge genuine global cooperation befitting the 21st century to advance the peace, security and prosperity aspirations of our Peoples.

As such, Demeke said, we need to institute a revitalized global architecture that promotes the collective interest of the Global South while heeding to the voices of developing countries with the ambitious vision of leaving no one behind.

Ethiopia has always been a strong advocate and champion of multilateralism, the Honourable DPM and FM underscored. He said, by sending peacekeeping troops, we are contributing to the maintenance of global peace and security.

He further stated, in our commitment of hosting refugees, we are demonstrating global solidarity. We have contributed our share in the establishment of several multilateral platforms. It is with the same spirit of multilateralism that we joined the OEC and that it is high time to come together and address the common challenges we face with a renewed spirit of global cooperation and partnership, Demeke echoed.

OEC Secretary-General Manssour Bin Mussallam said Education either reinforces the injustices in society or dismantles it. There is no middle ground, he stressed.

In order to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realise our socio-economic development aspirations, Member States should continuously commit to championing the supportive role of education in this regard, the SG told participants.

Researchers, scholars, the youth play pivotal role in revitalising education to buttress the global development agenda, it is stated.