Samuel Doe, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative, has praised Ethiopia’s significant role in maintaining peace and security across Africa and the world.

The commendation came during a signing ceremony today for a support agreement exceeding $100,000, provided by the Government of Japan through the UNDP for Ethiopia’s International Peace Support Training Institute (IPSTI).

The agreement was formalized at the Ministry of Defense Peacekeeping Center by Colonel Getu Taye, Commander of the Institute, and Samuel Doe.

Colonel Getu Taye stated that the $107,000 financial contribution from Japan, alongside technical assistance from the UNDP, will be utilized for the fourth round of trainer capacity building and experience sharing. He noted that this support is instrumental in developing a highly competitive and professional international peacekeeping force.

Currently, the Institute offers a Master’s degree program in Peace and Conflict Management to members of the FDRE Defense Forces and personnel from various African nations. Out of the 28 students in the current fourth batch, nine are from foreign countries, highlighting the institute’s continental significance.

Colonel Oura Tsutomu, Military Attaché to the African Union at the Japanese Embassy in Ethiopia, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening support for peace and conflict management initiatives.

Reflecting on the partnership, UNDP Representative Samuel Doe emphasized that "peace and development are inseparable," noting that building institutional and human resource capacity is vital for creating lasting peace. He reaffirmed the UNDP’s dedication to this mission.

The support is expected to further enhance the effectiveness of Ethiopia’s ongoing peacekeeping missions within the region and across the continent.