Ethiopia Prepares to Celebrate its Second Cities Day in November

[4 November 2010] -- Ethiopia will hold its second annual Ethiopian Cities Day celebrations from 25-29 November 2010 in Hawassa City.

 

As part of its commitment to urban issues, the National Government has designated 23 October as Ethiopian Cities Day to reflect on urbanisation and urban development. This year’s celebrations were postponed until November due to the establishment of a new government in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region, of which Hawassa is the capital.

 

The theme of the 2010 Cities Day is “Rapid Urban Development/Growth for Rapid National Development”. Events to mark the day include exhibitions, an Ethiopian cities best practice competition, panel discussions and an exhibition on women in urban development. A number of seminars and panel discussions will also provide cities with a forum to exchange knowledge and experiences on urban issues.

 

During the Cities Day festivities, Hawassa will also conclude year-long activities commemorating its 50th anniversary with a gala event, exhibitions, and a photography and art competition with the theme “My City”.

 

Some 82 representatives of local governments, public agencies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, international organisations, the private sector and sister cities are expected to participate in the 2010 Cities Day festivities.

 

The event is organised by the Ethiopian Cities Network, which serves as a forum for member cities to exchange experiences on improving and implementing strategic urban planning as well as innovative approaches for pro-poor urban development. The Cities Alliance is supporting the Ethiopian Cities Network through its implementing partner, GTZ.

 

The 2010 activities will build on the successful inaugural Cities Day held last year in Addis Ababa, which played a key role in highlighting city development efforts and good governance. The 2009 Cities Day was organised by the Ministry of Works and Urban Development in partnership with GTZ and Cities Alliance.