In the beginning of May SLU hosted a visit of the Ethiopian ambassador in Sweden, HE. Professor Merga Bekana, who also is an SLU alumni. The Ambassador's main specialisation is in the livestock reproduction, holding a PhD in clinical endocrinology from SLU.
SLU introduced by showing their strongly commitment to Agenda 2030 and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In regards to the international cooperation between these two countries, there is a national strategy developed: Strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with Ethiopia 2016–2020. This cooperation aims to contribute to a better environment, limited climate impact and enhanced resilience to the climate change, as well as human rights.
The diversification of funding sources was highlighted by the ambassador. SLU might explore other sources of funding which are available and reachable. The partners from the Ethiopian universities would be interested in MSc or PhD sandwich programmes or vocational trainings (e. g. Humboldt University in Berlin) which was confirmed by the ambassador. The system of country priority needs was clarified among all parties.
Presentations from professors with the experience of collaboration with Ethiopia was held during the visit. For example Professor Ulf Magnusson from Department of Clinical Sciences/SLU Global talked about the current ongoing cooperation between SLU and Ethiopia in livestock sector through the bilateral project funded by SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). Another project that was referred to is One Health.
The long history of cooperation between SLU and Ethiopia in forestry sector, was mentioned by Professor Anders Malmer from SLU Global/ Department of Forest Ecology and Management. Dr Erik Karltun, SLU Department of Soil and Environment, presented a land-use in rapid Ethiopian transition from last 40 years.
Two PhD students from Ethiopia and studying at SLU presented their research: Aabenezer Zeleke Aklilu talked about ‘Vehicle technology, fuel consumption and the environment’ and Tsegaye Ginbo Gatiso presented ‘Climate change adaptation, decision making under uncertainty’. As Ambassador of Ethiopia in Sweden HE. Professor Merga Bekana reminded that there should be a pay-off from Ethiopia for SLU/Sweden introducing some of the facts and developments made by the Ethiopian government in the recent years.
By Anna Kroutilova, Agrinatura
