FDRE Office of the Prime Minister

The monthly Addis Weg entitled ‘Resilience for National Existence’ was hosted today August 25, 2021 at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Office. Habiba Faris, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation moderated the session with Col. Getnet Adane the Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Sertse Fresbhat the Deputy Head of the Addis Ababa Culture and Arts Sector, Mamo Mihretu PMO Policy Adviser, and renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Mihret Debebe as panelists. Colonel Getnet recalled the efforts undertaken to improve the structure, organisation, benefits of the defence forces in the attempt to build an independent institution after the reform, noting that the process took place amidst multiple challenges. It is a remarkable achievement that the army has been able to reclaim the unlawfully seized properties of the country in small numbers and with lesser number of armaments. The situation has brought our people together, it has revealed the amazing potential of women army members, and encouraged multitudes to join and support the army. Our country is built on a solid foundation, it is not just a shack for anyone to dismantle, he said. Recalling the contribution the arts had towards overcoming various challenges our country faced in the past, Sertse Fresbhat recalled that Ethiopian history is rich in artists whose work contributed to victory. He noted that the institutional breakdown that reigned before the reform had severely damaged the capacity and impacts of the arts. However, there still are outstanding works of art that nurture patriotism. Mamo Mihretu stressed that resilience is beyond resisting adversity and moving the country forward. It is also the skill of turning challenges into opportunities and coming out victorious. Mamo cited major developments in the economic sector since the reform which include efforts towards increasing production and productivity, debt reduction and cancellation, increasing foreign exchange capacity, and strengthening revenue. He noted that there was challenge in terms of yielding significant results through the measures taken to control inflation. He also indicated that immediate and varied solutions are being implemented. He reiterated that resilience is not the absence of challenges but the turning of challenges into opportunities and opportunities into success. Dr. Mihret Debebe said resilience is about staying unshaken, looking forward and coming together rather than disintegrating. He observed that the current situation in the country has brought about resilience. In addition to continuing the existence of the country, the focus of this resilience is to ensure that opportunities this next generation has, do not go to waste. Resilience requires a clear vision, seizing opportunities, as well as faith. Resilience is looking into the future with hope. We would be amazed at the gains if we all persevere and take responsibility towards the security of our country just as much as our defense forces, he said. Participants also shared their views based on history, military science, the arts, and psychology. The program was concluded after final remarks from the panelists.

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