Tourism, culture, and peace festival has been held under the theme ” Ateker for Regional Integration” in South Omo Zone, Nyangatom Woreda. The pastoral communities from Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya, who share the same language and culture as the Nyangatom community, top government officials at all levels, development organizations, and other stakeholders all took part in the festival that was held at the end of last week.
The pastoral Woreda of Nyangatom is one of the HRF geographically focused areas where the foundation is implementing programs such as Maternal & Child Health & Nutrition, Climate-Smart Conservation & Ecotourism, and Youth & Women’s Economic Empowerment. The Foundation also provided various sorts of support for the success of the festival.
Speaking at the festival, the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the HRF, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, emphasized that the Ateker Peace Caravan plays a significant part in fostering long-lasting peace and regional ties and that the peace and people-to-people interactions seen in the border region over the past two years are proof of the progressive change the Festival has brought about.
“In order to ensure the continuity of peace in the border area of neighboring countries, the people should be benefited by connecting the region through trade, road infrastructure, tourism, and other sustainable development activities.” He added.
Hailemariam & Roman Foundation
December 2022, South Omo Zone