Refugees & Returnees Service – RRS & UNHCR Ethiopia staged a half-day meeting to reflect on the impact of IKEA Foundation projects.
(01 Sep. 2023: Addis Ababa)
During the event, RRS DG Teyiba Hassen expressed her gratitude for the tremendous investment made by the IKEA Foundation, which has positively transformed the lives of both refugees and hosts in Melkadida.
She emphasized the immense task of meeting the needs of refugees and stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships and mobilizing resources from a wide range of funders.
In his address to the gathering, IKEA Foundation CEO Per Heggenes expressed his joy at witnessing the positive change that his organization’s support has brought in Melkadida.
He called for the replication of these best practices in other locations that host refugees and beyond, emphasizing the need to scale up efforts to create lasting impact.
UNHCR Regional Director for the Horn, East Africa, and the Great Lakes Region, Mamadou Dian Balde highlighted the need for coordinated efforts toward creating more sustainable and impactful solutions for refugees and the communities hosting them.
He commended the exemplary interventions of the IKEA Foundation’s development projects and expressed his support for similar initiatives in other refugee operations within the region.
The participants hailed the support of the IKEA Foundation, the progress made in Melkadida and the dedication of partners.
