A National Consultative Workshop focused on the perspectives of Regions and City Administrations to revise the National Population Policy of Ethiopia held

The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS), in collaboration with the Packard Foundation and Ministry of Planning and Development, is conducting a National Consultative Workshop focused on the perspectives of Regions and City Administrations to revise the National Population Policy of Ethiopia.

November 14,2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The workshop aims to bridge policies with evidence through a consensus based discussion among relevant stakeholders. It seeks to achieve rationales and perspectives of regions based on their experiences and policy issues to enrich the policy rationalization document for the revision of the National Population Policy of Ethiopia. The workshop is scheduled to take place from November 14–15, 2023, at the Stay Easy Plus Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ministry of Plan and Development, Policy institutions, Regional representatives, City Administrations representative and scholars on population study from various institutes and other stakeholders participating in the event.

During the workshop, the representative from the Ministry of Planning and Development emphasized Ethiopia’s extensive experience in formulating and implementing a national population policy over the past three decades. Recognizing the significance of human resources for a country’s development, the representative stressed

the importance of comprehending demographic issues and implementing appropriate policies and institutional structures.

In line with this, the representative highlighted that the national ten-year development plan has prioritized the issue of demographics and development as one of the most crucial factors. Specifically, the plan aims to harness the demographic dividend, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and development.

By focusing on demographic issues and implementing effective policies, Ethiopia seeks to leverage its population’s potential to contribute to the country’s progress. This approach aligns with the broader goal of sustainable development and underscores the government’s commitment to optimizing human resources for national advancement.

The workshop is a significant platform for gathering insights and experiences from various regions and city administrations to inform the revision of the National Population Policy of Ethiopia. The objective is to ensure that the policy is enriched with diverse perspectives and experiences, thereby making it more comprehensive and effective in addressing the population related challenges faced by regions and the country. The workshop will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in a consensus based discussion, contributing to evidence based policy formulation and revision.

The participants point out that national population policy of Ethiopia is crucial for addressing the country’s population related challenges, including issues related to reproductive health, sustainable land management, and the environment. The policy aims to address the links and interrelationships between population, resources, environment, and development, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to population management. The workshop will play a vital role in gathering valuable input to ensure that the revised policy is well informed and addresses the growing needs and challenges of Ethiopia’s population.

The workshop expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to review the progress made over the years and identify the challenges and achievements in the implementation of the population policy. By engaging in consultative meetings and workshops, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on past experiences and chart a path forward for the effective implementation of the revised National Population Policy of Ethiopia.