The event’s agenda consists of a discussion of the Ethiopian Government’s efforts on migration, climate change, and its experience in the national reforestation program, known as Green Legacy Initiative.

Yemisrach Benalfew, coordinator at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)’s Migration Policy Implementation Project, officially announced the Ethiopia-Djibouti rail mission, the first of its kind to promote the regional body’s vision of integration.

Benalfew said IGAD “advocates for a strong link between regional integration and human mobility, and the potential to achieve development benefits for countries.”

She added that looking at unifying the region as a process and in the context of Ethiopia and Djibouti, the two countries have developed intense historic ties by sharing a common culture, social values, and languages.

Djibouti’s 112-strong public diplomacy delegation, composed of academics, journalists, and influential prominent figures, arrived in Sheger City on Tuesday evening and will stay here until Friday to hold public debates and participate in the Green Legacy Initiative.

jg/iff/mem/nmr