Reported by Ezra EjiguA scholarly research paper presentation and discussion forum highlighting the growth of Addis Ababa and the development of cities was held today at the Adwa Museum Hall.
At the forum organized by National Media Share Company (NBC Ethiopia Television), research papers focusing on the development and beauty of Addis Ababa were presented. A question-and-answer session, commentary, and discussion program were also conducted.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of National Media Share Company, Mr. Zakarias Birhanu, delivered the opening remarks. According to Mr. Zakarias, NBC Ethiopia Television has been broadcasting topics supported by research and studies that are relevant to viewers, and he noted that the symposium held at the Adwa Museum is part of this effort.
Mr. Zakarias explained that such forums are highly important and crucial for deeply understanding and discussing the ideas, implementation, achievements, and challenges of urbanization from the past to the present. He added that they also help uncover and apply the leadership and operational secrets behind the remarkable transformation seen in urban renewal projects to other areas of life and livelihood improvement.
He further stated that the forum was organized with the aim of bringing together experts, researchers, stakeholders, and various sections of society—beyond politicians and administrators—so they could jointly deliberate and discuss for better collective outcomes.
During the event, Architect Dawit Benti presented a research paper titled “Cities and the Modern Journey of Addis Ababa.”
In his paper, Architect Dawit discussed the historical backgrounds of city formation around the world. He mentioned medieval cities and Renaissance-era cities and explained that urban renewal efforts intensified after the Industrial Revolution beginning in the 1800s.
The presenter noted that Addis Ababa’s modern journey has passed through many stages of development and emphasized that this history should be preserved in museums so that the new generation can learn from it.
Dr. Engineer Eshetayehu Kinfu presented a study titled “Urban Transformation Concepts, Practices, and Implications in Addis Ababa.” He explained that Addis Ababa has undergone continuous renovation since the imperial era. Although the city’s conditions in earlier periods were not favorable for modernization, successive governments attempted to improve and transform it according to their capacities.
The presenter further stated that after 2018 (2010 E.C.), urban issues began receiving major attention and extensive modernization works were carried out, attributing this progress to determined leadership.
Stakeholders and invited guests from various sectors of society who attended the event also offered comments and questions to the presenters.
Head of the Addis Ababa City Beautification and Green Development Bureau, Mr. Girma Seifu, who attended the symposium, provided extensive explanations and shared experiences related to the topic.
The symposium moderator and CEO of NBC Ethiopia Television, Mr. Biruk Kebede, elaborated on the media’s role regarding the subject and what still needs to be done. He also gave detailed professional explanations about communication methods for helping the public understand the city’s transformative development and the benefits that have come with it.
It was announced that the full program of today’s symposium, held under the main theme “The New Addis,” will soon be broadcast to the public on NBC Ethiopia Television.
It was also announced that media coordination for the symposium was carried out by Tewedaje media and ( Ezra Ejigu.)