What a year it has been for the world and for Eritrea also. The country has gone through a year of challenges and successes. Stronger diplomatic ties have been registered. New economic agreements have been signed. The capital city, Asmara, entered the UNESCO World Heritage list. Financial reform continues and public diplomacy in the diaspora prospers despite the numerous obstacles that the transnational network is facing. Mobilization campaigns keep on. The year 2017 is definitely a year of transition for Eritrea. In our first part, let’s review the year 2017 for Eritrea with a focus on diplomacy and cooperation.
Peace and stability are important in promoting economic development of individuals and society. Political stability is critical to progress and development since it affects all aspects of security and economic and social development in a country. Peace and stability are prerequisites for the realization of human rights, as well. In the course of working toward the recently concluded MDGs, the international community has realized the importance of peace and stability and their intrinsic links with development and human rights. Countries that failed to accomplish the MDGs are the ones that are politically unstable and often plagued by conflict. On the other hand, politically stable and peaceful countries were able to post better outcomes on the MDGs.
About the book’s author: Woldezion Mesghinna (PhD; PE) is an Eritrean- American who immigrated to the US in the 1970s. He attended Cornell University, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees in civil engineering, and later attended Utah State University, where he received his PhD in agricultural engineering, with a primary focus in irrigation and drainage engineering.
One of the biggest challenges to bringing Africa’s technology up to speed is making electricity available across the continent. Fuel can no longer be an option for developing nations as national incomes have to be earmarked for many developmental projects.
Safe and sustainable water supply is the birthright of all humankind – as much a birthright as clean air. The water sector is one of the priority sectors in Eritrea as it directly impacts on the quality of life of the people and overall productivity.
Engaging women and girls in socio-economic and political life is vital for the promotion of gender equality. In Eritrea the question of gender has been in the agenda as a combination of what freedom fighters achieved during the thirty years of armed struggle. In June, Asmara hosted the NUEW National Symposium which looked at the past 25 years of all sectors of activities with the participation of key stakeholders. It was a successful program and as a follow up, NUEW and its partners engaged in research and assessment at zoba level.
Children are the greatest gift to a family and country, and their souls are the heaviest responsibility. Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero and a country that provides food, vaccine and education is a champion.