Arba Minch University (AMU) hosted 11th National Symposium on “Research for Development” at Main Campus on 4th April, 2025. Researchers across universities of Ethiopia from areas of social sciences and humanities, business and economics, and pedagogical and behavioral sciences and law gathered; 19 papers presented and discussed. Click here to see more photos.
Bogale Gebremariam (PhD, Eng.), Academic Affairs Vice President and Delegate for University president, opening the symposium, said, the symposium for research for development is important because it allows us to build on our personal experiences and opens up new opportunities for learning as well as exploring the world from different perspectives to build deeper understanding. Research also helps as a tool to reach people to raise their awareness on issues like gender inequality, food security, poverty, pollution, climate change, etc. that are the pressing challenges of the contemporary situation, he noted.
Teklu Wegayehu (PhD), Vice President for Research and Cooperation, on his part said that in this rapidly changing global landscape characterized by climate change, economic inequality, and public health crises, the need for evidence-based policy and practice has never been more urgent. According to Dr. Teklu, research can illuminate pathways to sustainable development, help to understand the complexities, and guide in making informed decisions which uplift communities and transform lives. Further getting into depth of the research understanding, he said, it is not merely a duty and responsibility, but it is a critical analysis and a systematic approach; it is empirical evidence, a journey from the known to unknown and is just a calling. Urging the participants to lean into collaboration to embrace diverse perspectives and share their knowledge generously, he remarked, we have the power to ignite ideas, spark innovation, and foster a community that thrives on mutual support; hence, let’s collaborate, network, and engage with each other because the connections we make here could lead to groundbreaking discoveries tomorrow.
Mesfin Menza (PhD), the mayor of Arba Minch City Administration, said, the symposium serves as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration bringing together researchers, policymakers, and experts to discuss the help of innovative research for sustainable development. It is through rigorous investigation, creative exploration, and academic discourse that we find solution to the challenges we face today and pave the way for a brighter future, he noted.
Prof. Tasew Woldehanna, President of Ethiopian Economic Association and the key note speaker, speaking on the symposium said that when guided by development agenda as a power, research transforms economies, societies by improving livelihoods and public health. By interrelating different perspectives, we can build holistic approach to development that leave no one behind, he underscored. To solve many developmental challenges in Ethiopia and on the globe, we need to collaborate and share knowledge; and he hoped that recent researches have shown potential to overcome many challenges that we face now.
Invited guests, presenters from different universities, AMU staff from Social sciences and Humanities, Business and Economics, School of Pedagogical and Behavioral Sciences and School of Law were in attendance. Tesfaye Habtemariam (PhD), AMU Research Affairs Executive Director, mastered the ceremony.
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