Lt Gen Yimer Mekonnen Emphasizes Urgency of Global Peace Amid Geopolitical Tensions.

Addis Ababa: The National Defense Forces (NDF) Training Head, Lieutenant General Yimer Mekonnen, highlighted the critical importance of global peace in light of escalating conflicts, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical tensions. He asserted that the pursuit of peace remains a primary focus of collective efforts worldwide.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the International Peace Support Training Institute (IPSTI) celebrated the graduation of 27 students from its second cohort, who earned master's degrees in peace and conflict management. Among the graduates were nine individuals from various African countries. During the ceremony, Lt Gen Yimer expressed hope that these graduates would play a crucial role in promoting peace and security across the globe, particularly in the African continent.Ethiopia has a longstanding history of peacekeeping, dating back to the Korean War in 1951, and has been a steadfast partner in the United Nations' endeavors to maintain international peace and security. The NDF has played a significant role in Somalia's peacekeeping efforts since the early 1990s, contributing to regional stabilization and the restoration of Somali governmental authority.The Lt. General stressed the urgency of effective peace and conflict management, noting that recent years have shown peace is not merely the absence of conflict but involves justice, understanding, and cooperation. He emphasized the responsibility to forge pathways toward harmony, understanding, and reconciliation.Japan's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Hironori Shibata, acknowledged Ethiopia's substantial contributions to peacekeeping and confirmed Japan's ongoing support for Ethiopia's training initiatives. He encouraged graduates to utilize their knowledge and skills for continental and global peace and security.Samuel Gbaydee Doe, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ethiopia, recognized the institute's significant role in peacekeeping. He praised Ethiopia's long-standing experience in peacekee ping missions and expressed hope that investments in IPSTI by Ethiopia and partners like Japan would strengthen peacekeeping and human security.The success of Ethiopia's peacekeeping operations has earned international recognition from the United Nations, the United States, Canada, and various military attachés, highlighting Ethiopia's invaluable contribution to global peace and security.