Addis Ababa, September 2, 2025 (FMC) – The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Government today shared its detailed plan to celebrate the 13th Ethiopian month, Pagumen, with a series of nationwide events highlighting the country’s achievements and aspirations for the New Year.
Minister of Government Communication Service Legesse Tulu briefed journalists, outlining the government’s program to mark Pagumen with activities across the country designed to reflect on the past year’s progress and set the stage for renewed plans in the upcoming year.
As the 2017 Ethiopian year concludes, Legesse emphasized that the New Year represents a time for reflection, strategic planning, and hope. He described Pagumen as a period that not only closes the calendar year but also symbolizes Ethiopia’s national aspirations and forward momentum.
Ethiopia’s calendar consists of 13 months: 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month, Pagumen, which spans five days—or six in a leap year. According to the Minister, these concluding days hold special significance as a dedicated period for evaluation and planning for the year ahead.
Each day of Pagumen will feature a distinct theme, celebrating resilience, diversity, progress, renewal, and the promise of a brighter future:
* Pagumen 1 – Resilience Day: Under the theme “Firm Foundation for a Resilient Nation,” this day honors individuals and groups contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity.
* Pagumen 2 – Diversity Day: Celebrated under the theme “Diversity: The Beauty of Ethiopia,” this day reinforces national solidarity and the value of Ethiopia’s rich cultural and social diversity.
* Pagumen 3 – Progress Day: With the theme “Progress for Sustainable Growth,” this day acknowledges the remarkable achievements of the past fiscal year while establishing ambitious targets for the New Year.
* Pagumen 4 – Renewal Day: Under the theme “Sustainable Development for National Revival,” this day commemorates Ethiopia’s strides in national renewal, reform, and transformation.
* Pagumen 5 – Future Day: Celebrated under the theme “Making Digital Ethiopia a Reality,” this day highlights the country’s advancements and ongoing efforts in the digital sector.
Legesse emphasized that the Pagumen celebrations are intended to foster national unity, inspire individual and institutional growth, and motivate citizens to actively contribute to Ethiopia’s development.
Reflecting on the past year, the Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s significant progress over the past seven years in both development and building an inclusive democratic system. He cited achievements in increasing production and productivity, advancing food sovereignty, and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
The Minister also underlined the successes of Ethiopia’s industrial sector, which has increasingly substituted imported products, alongside coordinated fiscal policies that have facilitated a transition from financial strain to broader macroeconomic reform.
Furthermore, Legesse noted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) continues to attract international attention, reflecting Ethiopia’s ability to assert its sovereignty and overcome challenges in advancing critical national projects.
He concluded by stressing that the upcoming New Year, marked by Pagumen, provides an opportunity to build on these achievements, reinforcing national unity, sustainable development, and progress toward a modern, resilient Ethiopia.