Historic Trilateral MoU Signed to Advance Social Welfare and Evidence-Based Policymaking in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia on July 9, 2024 at the premises of the Policy Studies Institute( PSI). In a significant milestone for social development in Addis Ababa, the Policy Studies Institute (PSI), the Addis Ababa City Administration Mayor Office Strategic Programs Management Office (AASPMO), and the Addis Ababa City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs (AABoWCSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to forge a powerful partnership.

During the opening ceremony of the MOU signing, H.E. Prof. Beyene Petros , Director General of PSI, said  PSI is not new to the Mayor office of Addis Ababba  as it closely works with the city government environment protection burea in various collaborative research projects especially in economic valuations of parks and recreational centeres found in Adddis Ababa and sanitary issues like public bathrooms in Addis Ababa.

"Undertaking comprehensive research across the entire nation can be a costly and resource-intensive endeavor," said H.E. Prof. Beyene. "Focusing our efforts on addressing the problems found specifically within Addis Ababa is another viable option. Therefore, working in partnership with the Addis Ababa City Government presents an excellent opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in the city."

By collaborating with the Addis Ababa City Administration, the research institute can leverage its expertise and resources to tackle the unique challenges faced by the capital city. This targeted approach allows for a more efficient and impactful utilization of research efforts, as opposed to attempting to cover the diverse issues across the entirety of Ethiopia.

H.E. Prof. Beyene's statement highlights the pragmatic considerations behind the decision to forge this trilateral partnership between the Policy Studies Institute, the Addis Ababa Mayor's Office, and the Addis Ababa Women, Children and Social Affairs Bureau. The city-level cooperation promises to yield tangible results in addressing the needs of Addis Ababa's residents, particularly the most vulnerable populations.

H.E. Prof. Beyene expressed that despite the Policy Studies Institute's (PSI) desire to meet with Her Excellency Mayor Adanech Abebie to discuss the immense potential for collaboration, he was unable to do so due to the Mayor's busy schedule. He conveyed a message to the two Bureau officials appearing for the MOU signing, asking them to relay to Her Excellency the importance of having a discussion between PSI and the Mayor's Office.

H.E. Prof. Beyene went on to explain that PSI possesses immense potential in conducting research across a diverse range of social and economic issues. He emphasized that PSI is capable of delving into research problems concerning public policies at the federal, regional, and even the Addis Ababa city level.

Some of the key areas that PSI has expertise in, according to H.E. Prof. Beyene, include finance, agriculture, women and children, environmental issues, and many others. He expressed confidence in PSI's ability to provide valuable insights and evidence-based recommendations to policymakers across these domains.

The inability to meet directly with the Mayor was clearly a source of gap for H.E. Prof. Beyene, who recognized the importance of establishing a strong working relationship between PSI and the Addis Ababa City Administration. By emphasizing the institute's diverse research capabilities and its relevance to the city's priorities, he sought to convey the immense potential that this trilateral partnership holds for advancing social and economic development in Addis Ababa.

Next, H.E. Mr. Kedir, representing the Addis Ababa City Administration's Mayor's  Strategic Programs Management Office (AASPMO), emphasized that children are the foundation for any country's development. He stated that if their foundations are built well, they can become good, productive citizens for their country.

H.E. Mr. Kedir also noted that it is very difficult to separate the needs of children and women, especially those from poor backgrounds. He explained that his Bureau is responsible for designating, coordinating, managing, and evaluating issues related to children and women in Addis Ababa.

Currently, H.E. Mr. Kedir reported that his Bureau has reached out to and supported more than 330,000 poor women in Addis Ababa. One of the key initiatives his Bureau has undertaken is the establishment of public daycare facilities in various government offices across the city.

While starting this daycare project was initially challenging, H.E. Mr. Kedir stated that they have now been able to scale up the program. He recommended that this daycare project should be expanded across the nation, and he expressed the need for assistance from the Policy Studies Institute in obtaining evidence-based research findings on issues related to children and women.

Finally, Mr. Kedir emphasized that signing the MOU is not the end goal, but rather the beginning of a process. He urged both the PSI and the Addis Ababa City Administration to do the necessary groundwork to ensure the successful implementation and impact of this partnership.

The Head of the Addis Ababa City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs (AABoWCSA) Bureau, H.E. Mrs. Emebet, stated that her Bureau is dedicated to assisting poor children and mothers who are facing significant social crises. She emphasized that her Bureau's primary focus is on Early Childhood Development (ECD) program which is  for children up to the age of 6.

H.E. Mrs. Emebet expressed the need for the support and expertise of the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) in obtaining evidence-based research findings to inform the Bureau's work. She acknowledged the valuable insights and recommendations that PSI can provide to help the Bureau better address the needs of vulnerable children and mothers in Addis Ababa.

Furthermore, H.E. Mrs. Emebet assured H.E. Prof. Beyene that she would convey the information and discussions that took place during the meeting to Her Excellency the Mayor. This commitment demonstrates the Bureau's willingness to facilitate open communication and collaboration between the PSI and the Addis Ababa City Administration.

By highlighting the Bureau's focus on ECD and its work with marginalized groups, H.E. Mrs. Emebet underscored the importance of this partnership with PSI. The evidence-based research and recommendations from the institute can significantly enhance the Bureau's ability to develop and implement effective policies and programs to support the well-being of children and mothers in Addis Ababa.

The trilateral agreement lays the foundation for collaborative efforts to promote social justice, equality, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities in the Ethiopian capital.The MoU outlines a shared vision where PSI's expertise in evidence-based policy research and analysis will complement the mandates of AASPMO and AABoWCSA to address the needs and rights of women, children, the disabled, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.

This marks a significant step forward in our collective mission to create a more inclusive and equitable Addis Ababa," said H.E. Prof. Beyene, the Director General of PSI. "By leveraging our respective strengths, we are poised to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of the city's residents."

Under the terms of the MoU, the three institutions will engage in joint research, data analysis, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise. This collaborative approach aims to inform policymaking, strengthen social welfare programs, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

"The AASPMO and AABoWCSA are thrilled to partner with PSI in this endeavor," said H.E. Mrs. Emebet, the Head of the Addis Ababa City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs. "Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the rights and well-being of women, children, and all vulnerable groups are protected and promoted throughout the city."

The signing of this trilateral MoU represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable Addis Ababa. Stakeholders across the city are eagerly anticipating the transformative impact of this partnership.