What an exciting and vibrant week it has been for HelpAge International in the build up to the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD3) in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.
Partnering up for maximum impact
In order to ensure we at HelpAge and the Ethiopian Elders and Pensioners National Association (EEPNA) get the most out of the UN conference, we formed a coalition with Save the Children and Talent Youth Ethiopia. A coming together brought about by the wide-reaching action/2015 global movement.
action/2015 is an alliance of 1,600 organisations across 140 countries built to to ensure world leaders adopt agreements on issues like poverty, climate change and inequality. It is striving for a future in which no one is left behind, regardless of age, gender or background.
In Ethiopia, HelpAge and its partners came together to mobilise people of all ages and connect them to the actions taking place across the world leading up to FFD3 in Addis Ababa.
Starting off, action/2015, HelpAge and EEPNA carried out a media round table with journalists in the presence of a delegation comprised of older and younger people. The half-day session offered an opportunity to share information on action/2015, as well as gather the thoughts of different generations on what the priorities should be during the three major upcoming UN conferences.
Engaging Ethiopia’s high officials
Following the round table, the delegation successfully met with top Ethiopian government officials to inform them about action/2015 and discuss the need for inclusive development when formulating new policies and programmes.
Finance and Economic State Minister Abraham Tekeste, Labor and Social Affairs State Minister Ramadaan Ashenafi, and Minister of Women, Youth and Children Affairs Zenebu Tadesse, we very positive about the visit, and pledged to promote a society for all and focus on leaving no one behind.
Global Action Day in Addis Ababa
On 11 July, the Global Civil Society Forum was staged at Addis Ababa’s Desalegn Hotel, offering a great opportunity for action/2015 branded photos with the international delegates participating.
The coalition also brought in a group of young, passionate volunteers from the Chilanchil Child and Youth Development Association who entertained the participants through highly energetic and exhilarating traditional dance performances.
Older people face to face with the UN Secretary General
On 12 July, action/2015 members from across Africa gathered for a self-organised side event to FFD3 where they shared their countries’ experiences.
Meanwhile, helping to highlight the coalition’s efforts, Tilahun Abebe, 80, and Yeshiemebet Eshetu, 68, of the Age Demands Action delegation, together with other action/2015 representatives, met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and promoted the movement and its demand for inclusive development for all ages.
A sporting celebrity and public mobilisation
Today older and younger people had the fantastic opportunity to meet world-famous long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, who showed his support for action/2015 and inclusive development. The campaigners also raised awareness of the campaign by staging a public mobilisation in Addis Ababa.
Stand by for more
This is far from the end. There are many more exciting things planned for action/2015 in Ethiopia over the coming days for people of all ages attending FFD3.
HelpAge will continue to keep you updated on action/2015 and the impact of its wide-ranging activities!
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