IGAD Executive Secretary leads delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly
Dr Workneh Gebeyehu when he led IGAD's delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, seeking international support for IGAD’s efforts to resolve regional conflicts, defuse tensions, and promote multilateralism. Photo/Workneh Gebeyehu via X
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, is leading a high-level delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Running from September 22 to September 30, 2024, this year’s assembly, held in New York, is centred on the theme “Unity and Diversity for Advancing Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity, Everywhere and for All.”
This theme resonates with IGAD’s mission of promoting peace, security, and regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
As part of his participation, Dr Gebeyehu emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating, “In this interconnected world, the challenges we face cannot be solved in isolation. IGAD’s priority is to foster stronger regional cooperation while securing sustainable solutions to the ongoing crises that threaten the peace and stability of our region.”
The IGAD delegation will hold key discussions with representatives from member states, international organisations including the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), and development partners.
These talks will focus on pressing issues such as regional security, economic development, and the ongoing crisis in Sudan, which has been in conflict for 17 months.
Dr Gebeyehu underscored the critical need for international support in addressing this conflict, saying, “The situation in Sudan remains a grave concern. We are committed to working towards a peaceful resolution and call upon the international community to stand with us in these efforts.”
In addition to peace and security, the delegation seeks to enhance partnerships on key priorities like climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
Through strategic engagement with global partners, IGAD aims to bolster regional security mechanisms and drive long-term prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
Reflecting on the assembly’s importance, Dr Gebeyehu added, “Our participation in the UNGA reaffirms IGAD’s role as a regional leader in conflict resolution and sustainable development. By building stronger alliances, we can create a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of our region and beyond.”