Ethiopian Missions Abroad Mark Day of Harmony, Highlighting Diversity and National Unity

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian diplomatic missions in London, Brussels, Beijing, Xiamen, Kampala and Geneva have marked the Day of Harmony, bringing together Ethiopians, people of Ethiopian descent and friends of Ethiopia around a shared message of unity, solidarity and the strength found in the country’s diversity.

Observed on the fourth day of Pagume, the final month of the Ethiopian calendar, the celebrations were held under the theme “Diversity: The Ornament of Ethiopia,” highlighting Ethiopia’s religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity as a defining national asset and a foundation for peaceful coexistence and collective progress.

In London, the Ethiopian Embassy brought together members of the Ethiopian community and friends of Ethiopia in a celebration that also reflected on the close of the 2018 Ethiopian calendar year and the approaching New Year 2019.

Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen underscored the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, while recalling the recently concluded National Dialogue and recognizing the participation of Ethiopians from the United Kingdom in the process.

He emphasized the need to preserve the culture of dialogue and consultation as a means of addressing differences and strengthening relations within Ethiopian communities.

The London celebration also showcased Ethiopia’s cultural diversity, with participants conveying New Year messages in different Ethiopian languages. Traditional music and performances by the London-based Ethiopian cultural dance group “Dankira,” together with the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, added cultural depth to the gathering.

In Brussels, the Ethiopian Mission brought together Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent living across the Benelux countries, as well as friends and partners of Ethiopia, for a program featuring messages, presentations and a panel discussion on the country’s historical and contemporary achievements.

Head of the Mission Ambassador Eshete Tilahun emphasized the importance of respecting differences and identity while standing together under shared national objectives.

He described harmony as a commitment to rejecting exclusion and strengthening solidarity, while calling for a sustained culture of cooperation and collective responsibility.

The Brussels program also featured discussions on the National Dialogue, the outcome of the seventh general election, Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform and macroeconomic progress, the Green Legacy Initiative and corridor development.

Presenters highlighted what they described as the country’s ongoing transition from dependence toward greater productive capacity.

The program further included a charitable auction to mobilize support for people in need, as well as traditional music and dance, including a performance by members of the Afar community. Guests were also served Ethiopian food and beverages.

In Beijing and Xiamen, the Ethiopian Embassy celebrated the occasion jointly with the Ethiopian community and friends of Ethiopia. Deputy Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires Aziza Gelata delivered remarks in Xiamen, while Minister and Deputy Head of Political Diplomacy Asefa Endeshaw represented the Head of Mission at the main event in Beijing.

Speakers at the Chinese celebrations emphasized Ethiopia’s religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity as both a defining feature of the country and a foundation for national transformation.

Panel discussions further explored Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage and its role in strengthening unity and national renewal.

In Kampala, the Ethiopian Embassy hosted a Unity in Diversity Day celebration attended by Ugandan civic, business and tourism representatives, alongside Ethiopians, people of Ethiopian descent and friends of Ethiopia.

Among the guests were Kampala Central Division Mayor Salim Saad Uhuru, Uganda Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Olive Z. Kigongo, and Uganda Tourism Association President Yogi Birigwa.

In Geneva, Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission brought together Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent from different parts of Switzerland, friends of Ethiopia and Ethiopian professionals working in international organizations.

Ethiopian Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew said the Day of Harmony offered an opportunity to reflect on Ethiopia’s achievements through solidarity and to carry that spirit into the New Year.

He highlighted national progress in institution building, digital and technological development and broader economic and social transformation, while stressing that Ethiopia’s historic achievements have been rooted in unity amid diversity.

The Geneva program also featured discussions on the National Dialogue and a presentation on Digital Ethiopia 2030 and Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation Progress: The Role of the Diaspora, followed by questions and exchanges with participants.

Across the missions, the celebrations combined national reflection with cultural expression, community engagement and messages of hope as Ethiopia prepares to enter the new Ethiopian year.

The observances abroad formed part of wider national activities dedicated to Pagume and Ethiopia’s Renewal, giving Ethiopian communities beyond the country an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s diversity while reaffirming the values of harmony, solidarity and shared responsibility.