Ethiopia has marked the 80th anniversary of the United Nations with a ceremony highlighting the country's role as a founding member of the global body.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos told diplomats gathered at the Kuriftu Africa Village that the country remained "firmly committed" to a multilateral system anchored in the UN Charter.
The event, held as part of the nationwide "Ethiopia’s Month" celebrations, brought together ambassadors, UN officials, and government ministers for an evening designed to showcase cultural diplomacy.
Gedion used the platform to underline the importance of informal ties in international relations.
"Cultural diplomacy allows us to meet one another beyond conference halls," he said, adding that such gatherings created "meaningful connections" that enriched traditional statecraft.
The gathering in Addis Ababa comes as Ethiopia pushes for reforms within the UN system to better reflect African influence in global affairs.
Aboubacar Kampo, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, paid tribute to the long-standing relationship between the organisation and Ethiopia.
He described the UN’s formation 80 years ago as a "bold experiment in peace" that emerged from the ashes of World War Two.
"It was built on a simple but powerful belief: that cooperation is stronger than conflict, and that human dignity is stronger than division," Kampo said.
He noted that Ethiopia had been central to the UN's journey from the beginning, citing its early contributions to peacekeeping and its leadership in the fight against colonialism.
The choice of venue—Kuriftu Africa Village—was significant for the occasion. The site was established to represent the diverse cultures of the continent in one location.
Tadiwos Getachew, the resort's CEO, told guests the project was the result of a decade-long effort to foster cross-border opportunities.
"We set out... to create a true African village, a place where every African can visit and be proud to say, ‘This belongs to me’," he said.
The evening concluded with a showcase of traditional music, dance, and cuisine, reinforcing the minister's message of mixing culture with diplomacy.
