RI President Mehta Visits Ethiopia
Addis Ababa- Ethiopia, 10th September, 2021│ by Rotary Ethiopia Country Office
Ethiopia cradle of mankind and home to diversity hosted the Rotary International President (RIP) Shekhar Mehta and his wonderful wife Rashi Mehta in Addis Ababa from 7th to 9th September 2021. It was a packed schedule with multiple high-level extremely important events that were planned by Rotary Ethiopia. The visit kicked off with a warm welcome at the Bole International Airport by District Governor Alex Nyaga whose official visit to clubs in Ethiopia was planned to coincide with the RIP’s visit. The Rotary Ethiopia leadership led by DGE Azeb Asrat, PDG Teshome Kebede, Country Chair Fifil Mulugeta, and the specially designated aide to the guests, PP Rajeev Sharma were also at hand to offer VIP treatment and warm hospitality.
The visit kicked off with an intimate breakfast with Club Presidents and Rotary Assistant Governors in Ethiopia who provided insight into the Rotary work in the country, Rotary leadership and governance challenges, and opportunities that are currently at hand with the current geopolitical climate of the country. The discussions had an impact on the RI President’s viewpoints prompting much-needed insight on how Rotary can offer support by continuing to utilize its vast resources and networks available.
Immediately after the business breakfast, the RI President and his spouse accompanied by the DG and the Ethiopian team met with H.E Sahlework Zewde, President of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, who hosted him at her Residential Palace and Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In these cordial meetings, the RIP and his delegation explained Rotary International’s works in Ethiopia in the various Rotary areas of focus. The President recalled the contributions of Rotary International in the health sector, particularly in the campaigns to eradicate polio from the face of the Earth.
During the discussions, both President Sahlework and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke, said it was in the interest of the Ethiopian government to support Rotary International as the organization worked along the Ethiopian government’s priority areas. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also thanked the organization for its efforts supporting the local Rotary Clubs in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic teaming up with the Ministry of Health. This meeting also allowed the RI President to call upon the Government of Ethiopia to support the organization of the 4th All African Zone 22 Institute (https://rotaryinstituteaddis.com/), to be held in Addis Ababa next year. It was duly promised by the Deputy Prime Minister to support the host organizing team of this event and make sure Ethiopia hosts the best institute yet.
The RIP didn’t want to leave without engaging with the young generation, for whom he has a special passion. Courtesy of the Embassy of India, a warm lunch program was held in the embassy grounds with Rotaractors and Interactors of the country. An interactive Q&A plus feedback session was held moderated by the current District Rotaract Representative, George Otieno, Country Rotaract Chair Meron Seleshi, Club Presidents and members with discussions touching upon all aspects of the new generation services like leadership, Rotaract projects, Rotary International opportunities, and experiences. The RIP’s rich experiences made the event a memorable and inspiring one.
The program with the youth in Rotary Ethiopia ended with a tree planting activity making it specially engaging for the RIP and his spouse Rashi.
While the program schedules were tight, the Rotary Ethiopia hosts made sure the RIP and his wife had the warm culture and hospitality of Ethiopia with site visits of the famous Lucy (oldest human remains ever discovered, 3.5 million years), the Unity Park (having hundred years of Ethiopian history, artifacts, buildings, and the national wildlife observatory) followed by traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, traditional food and more making the visit extra special.
The visit concludes in a media packed press conference followed by a high-level TRF Donor Recognition Dinner with cultural entertainment held at the Skylight Hotel in the presence of senior Rotary Leaders, Ambassadors, officials of FDRE including H.E Dr. Lia Tadesse, Minister of Health and dignities from finance and other important sectors of industry. The dinner highlighted the level of commitment that Rotarians in Ethiopia have shown in the hundreds of donors recognized in the event. It also gave the opportunity for the RIP to recognize major donors and multiple PHFs and first time PHFs who donated to the Rotary Foundation taking up the DG’s challenge due on October 15th, 2021.
The RIP concluded his thanks to Ethiopia and the entire Rotary family for the most memorable and packed two-days visit that he would take to his heart forever. In quote, the RIP said “What a day it has been for me, I never thought I would engage with so many people with such passion and commitment to Rotary. Ethiopia is truly blessed, and I sincerely thank you from my heart”.
