“Building Ethiopia: The Challenges of Economic Growth and Industrialization”

The lecture series will focus on preconditions and obstacles of industrialization, economic growth and job creation, the relationship between economy and ecology as well as the role of non-governmental organizations in social and economic development. Comparison with other countries will be a central element of the lectures. The topics will be explored by taking an interdisciplinary perspective, thereby extending the current discussion on industrial development and its implication on society. Each lecture will be completed by a public discussion.

Ethiopian and international scientists and professionals from various disciplines are invited to participate in this academic event and enrich the debate with their opinions. The lectures will be held fortnightly, the last one on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008.

Program

1st lecture
Wednesday, 23rd of January 2008
“Industrial Development in Ethiopia: Experiences of the Past and Future Projections”
by H.E. Ato Tadesse Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry

2nd lecture
Wednesday, 06th of February 2008
“City Growth and Architectural Heritage: The Case of Addis Ababa”
by Fasil Giorghis, Architect, Lecturer FoT/AAU

3rd lecture
Wednesday, 20th of February 2008
“Progress and Identity in Art”
by Bekelle Mekonnen, Sculptor, Instructor at the School of Fine Arts and Design (AAU)

4th lecture
Wednesday, 5th of March 2008
“Energy Vision 2020 for Ethiopia”
by Bekelle Bayissa, Board Chairman, Ethiopian Network for Sustainable Energy Development

5th lecture
Wednesday, 19th of March 2008
“Educational ICT Development”
by Demissew Bekele, Head of Educational ICT Development

6th lecture
Wednesday, 9th of April 2008
“Brain Drain: Its Impact on MDGs and Development”
by Mehari Taddele, Executive Director, African Rally for Peace and Development

7th lecture
Wednesday, 23rd of April 2008
“From Crisis to Opportunities – Economic Transition in the Heartland of Germany”
by Bernward Brink, Executive Director for the Innovative Promotion of Employment

8th lecture
Wednesday, 14th of May 2008
"Creation of Decent Work Opportunities - ILO Experience from West Africa"
by Dr. Peter Poschen, Senior Program Officer ILO Geneva

9th lecture
Wednesday, 21st of May 2008
"Challenges for Appropriate Technology of Cropping and Post-Harvest Processing"
by Dr. Demelash Kefale, Assistant Professor in Agronomy Department Head of Plant Sciences, Hawassa University

10th lecture
Wednesday, 4th of June 2008
"Thoughtscapes"
by Gossa Gebresellassie

11th lecture
Wednesday, 18th of June2008
"Working for the Development of Ethiopia: 50 Years of Experience"
by Martha Gabre-Tsadick & Demeke Tekle-Wold
Coordinators for Project Mercy Ethiopia

12th lecture
Wednesday, 2nd of July 2008
"ISO 9001 Quality Management System as a Tool for Industrial Competitiveness"
by Mesaye Girma
Director General, Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia