By: Goshu Melisew
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) convened the 2025 World Friends Korea (WFK) Partnership Conference in Addis Ababa, bringing together representatives from partner organizations and government ministries to explore strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and visibility of KOICA’s volunteer programs in Ethiopia.
In her opening remarks, Ahyoung Jo, Acting Country Director of KOICA Ethiopia, underscored the program’s contribution to Ethiopia’s sustainable development through skills transfer, knowledge sharing, and people-to-people exchange.
“True development happens through partnership and shared learning,” Jo said. “Our volunteers are not just here to teach or help; they are here to listen, learn, and grow together with the people they work with across Ethiopia.”
The WFK Volunteer Program, which operates under the World Friends Korea framework, deploys Korean professionals in various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and technology. Their collaboration with Ethiopian institutions and communities aims to build capacity and foster friendship between the two nations.
Representatives from key Ethiopian ministries and host institutions also attended, reaffirming their commitment to mutual development goals.
The Acting Country Director expressed KOICA’s appreciation to all partners, volunteers, and staff for their continued dedication. She called for stronger coordination and renewed partnership to ensure that the volunteer program continues to make a lasting impact across Ethiopia.
The CEO of Youth and Volunteer Service at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), Abiy Hailemelekot, hailed the strong and enduring partnership between Ethiopia and the Republic of Korea through the World Friends Korea (WFK) volunteer program, describing it as a “living testament” to the countries’ historic friendship and shared commitment to sustainable development. The cooperation between the two countries is rooted in history, recalling Ethiopia’s support during the Korean War. “The volunteer service between our nations stands as a model of enduring friendship,” he stated.
He commended KOICA and partner organizations for their commitment to volunteerism and mutual growth. “By exchanging knowledge, skills, and experiences, we can foster sustainable progress and deepen our people-to-people ties,” he added.
Abiy noted that the WFK program goes beyond aid; it embodies shared values and Korea’s legacy of rebuilding through partnership. He cited collaboration in classrooms and health centers as examples of “living stories of cooperation transforming lives.”
