Djibouti, Djibouti: IGAD is celebrating 30 years since its establishment as a regional body to address issues of drought and mitigate against the effects of desertification in the greater Horn of Africa on 16th January 2016.
At the end of the first decade, the organization was revitalized taking up broader mandates that included economic cooperation and social development, peace building and human security, as well as environmental protection and food security.
In the last twenty years, IGAD has made tremendous progress in many fronts including harmonization of socio-economic policies, promotion of the regional integration agenda, mediation of peace processes and dissemination of development information, as well as building and improving productivity capacities of member states.
Amb (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, the IGAD Executive Secretary, in his new-year message, thanked the member states and the development partners for their support and commitment over the years. He also expressed his gratitude to staff as a whole for “making things happen”.
“Like those before us, we have had a significant impact on Africa,” stated the Executive Secretary, adding that though the years ahead would bring their own challenges, he urged them to work together, remain focused on the priorities and put the region first to ensure IGAD becomes the premier regional organization for achieving peace, prosperity and regional integration in “this part of the world”.
To commemorate the anniversary, a moderated panel discussion will be held in Djibouti three former executive secretaries to share their experiences and views on the prospects and challenges of peace, security, economic development and integration in the region, as well as how best IGAD can position itself for higher impact.
This will be the core event for the celebrations initiated and hosted by Amb. Mahboub in the company of Hon. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Djibouti.
Other panelists will be Dr. David Muduuli, who served as the second IGADD Executive Secretary from 1991 to 1996, Dr. Tekeste Ghebray of Eritrea (1996 – 2000) and Dr. Attalla Bashir (2000 – 2008).
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Brazille Musumba | Communications and Media Advisor | IGAD Secretariat |
E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +253.777.799.88
Mr. Mahamed Abdullahi | Senior Communications and PR Officer | IGAD Secretariat |
E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +253.770.790.03
Ms. Sharon Kuku | Communications Officer | IGAD Secretariat |
E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +253. 772.544.08
