IGAD elevates Horn of Africa agenda at UN General Assembly
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu engaged with member states, international partners, and development agencies to foster cooperation and practical solutions for the region’s pressing challenges.
IGAD amplified its presence on the global stage at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the Horn of Africa’s priorities in peace, security, climate resilience, food systems, health, and sustainable development.
Leading a senior delegation of IGAD Directors, Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu engaged with member states, international partners, and development agencies to foster cooperation and practical solutions for the region’s pressing challenges.
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A major milestone during the mission was the inauguration of the IGAD Permanent Observer Mission Office to the UN in New York.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu at the Permanent Observer Mission Office to the UN in New York. (Photo: Workneh Gebeyehu/X)
The new office will boost IGAD’s visibility, strengthen coordination with global partners, and ensure the region’s voice is heard on critical issues such as peace, humanitarian response, climate adaptation, health, and development initiatives.
IGAD also spotlighted urgent action in Sudan during a Ministerial Meeting on Joint Efforts for De-escalation, convened by the EU, AU, France, Germany, and the UK.
Dr Workneh stressed the importance of a Sudanese-led peace process that is inclusive and guided by a credible transition to civilian governance.
During a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, IGAD explored new avenues to strengthen regional peace and security.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu (left) meets Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, in New York. (Photo: Workneh Gebeyehu/X)
The discussions underscored the importance of aligning regional and international efforts to maintain stability across the Horn of Africa.
On food security, Dr Workneh addressed the Science Summit on Financing for Food Systems, emphasising that true food security focuses on people, not just production.
He urged systemic investment in resilience through IGAD’s Climate Centres and the Food Systems Resilience Programme and called on global partners to support long-term, sustainable solutions.
Health sovereignty was another key focus at the Science for Diplomacy side event, where the Executive Secretary stressed the need for investment in research, innovation, and local medicine production.
“Africa’s health sovereignty depends on reducing dependence on imported medical products,” he said, highlighting the importance of building local capacity for public health resilience.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu addresses the Science Summit on Financing for Food Systems. (Photo: Workneh Gebeyehu/X)
IGAD further strengthened ties with the United States in discussions with Vincent Spera, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of African Affairs, focusing on advancing peace and stability, particularly in Sudan and South Sudan.
“This mission to UNGA80 reflects IGAD’s commitment to remain engaged, to strengthen coordination with all partners, and to continue advancing practical solutions to the challenges facing our region. We are still working on these issues, and we will not relent in our efforts to build a peaceful, stable, and resilient Horn of Africa,” Dr Workneh said, emphasising IGAD’s dedication to the region.
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