The Ethiopian Policy and Research Institutes established a Forum on August 29, 2023, at the ceremonial event held at the Institute of Foreign Affairs.  

During the opening of the establishment of the forum ceremony, H.E. Dr. Desalegne Ambaw, the Director General of the Institute of Foreign Affairs said the importance of Forming the Federal Research Institutes Forum in Ethiopia, a country undergoing rapid economic, social, and political changes, recognizes the critical role of research in informing policymaking and promoting sustainable development. In this pursuit, the formation of the Federal Research Institutes Forum in Ethiopia holds significant importance. This collaborative platform brings together research institutions from across the nation to foster knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making, ultimately driving national progress.

H.E. Dr. Desalegne explained that the Federal Research Institutes Forum plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and tackling complex policy challenges facing Ethiopia. By creating a space for collaboration and shared learning among research institutes, the forum enhances the capacity to address critical issues such as economic development, social justice, governance, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and the pooling of resources, the forum facilitates a comprehensive understanding of these challenges, leading to more effective and informed policy solutions.

H.E. Dr. Desalegne underscored that collaboration within the Federal Research Institutes Forum is instrumental in bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. Policymakers rely on evidence-based research to develop informed and effective policies, while researchers seek to ensure that their work influences decision-making processes. By fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, the forum facilitates the translation of research findings into actionable policy recommendations. This collaboration ensures that policy decisions are rooted in rigorous research, leading to more impactful outcomes and positive societal change.

H.E. Prof. Tassew Woldehanna, President of Addis Ababa University, in his opening remarks, said that this forum serves as a platform for building the capacity of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in Ethiopia. Through workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the forum enhances research methodologies, data analysis skills, and policy formulation expertise. By investing in capacity building, the forum empowers stakeholders to engage more effectively with research, interpret findings accurately, and utilize them to shape evidence-based policies. This strengthens the overall policymaking ecosystem in Ethiopia and enhances the quality and relevance of research conducted by federal research institutes.

H.E. Prof. Tassew Woldehanna underlined that the Federal Research Institutes Forum also plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration and fostering synergies among research institutions. By facilitating networking opportunities, joint research projects, and shared resources, the forum encourages collaboration among researchers from various disciplines and institutions. This collaboration leads to a broader and deeper understanding of complex challenges, encourages innovative approaches, and maximizes the impact of research outcomes. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, the forum propels Ethiopia's research community towards greater achievements and societal impact.

Furthermore, H.E. Prof. Tassew Woldehanna the forum serves as a platform to influence the national policy agenda and engage the public. By disseminating research findings, engaging with the media, and encouraging public dialogue, the forum promotes transparency, public awareness, and participation in the policymaking process. This inclusive approach ensures that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the Ethiopian society and that decision-making processes are accountable and responsive to the citizens.

In conclusion, H.E. Prof. Tassew Woldehanna addressed that the formation of the Federal Research Institutes Forum in Ethiopia is of immense importance for the nation's development. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based decision-making, the forum strengthens the capacity of federal research institutes to address critical policy challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and public engagement, the forum contributes to sustainable development, informed governance, and the overall progress of Ethiopia. Embracing the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, the Federal Research Institutes Forum paves the way for a brighter future where research, policy, and practice work hand in hand to shape Ethiopia's trajectory towards inclusive and sustainable development.

Next, H.E.Prof. Beyene Petros, Director General of the Policy Studies Institute underscored that this form has to focus on bringing pragmatic solutions for Ethiopia’s major problems. H.E. Prof. Beyene said that the Federal Research Institutes Forum in Ethiopia plays a pivotal role in addressing the pressing problems faced by the nation by bringing pragmatic solutions to the forefront. Through its collaborative nature and evidence-based approach, the forum contributes to identifying and implementing effective strategies to tackle key challenges.

H.E. Prof. Beyene emphasized that the forum brings together researchers, policymakers, and experts from diverse fields and disciplines. This multi-disciplinary collaboration allows for a comprehensive understanding of complex problems and promotes innovative thinking. By combining expertise from various domains, the forum generates pragmatic solutions that consider different perspectives and factors influencing the problem at hand.

H.E. Prof. Beyene noted that the forum emphasizes evidence-based policymaking, leveraging the research conducted by federal research institutes. By integrating rigorous research findings into policy discussions, the forum ensures that policy decisions are informed by reliable evidence. This approach increases the likelihood of implementing effective solutions that address the root causes of problems and achieve sustainable outcomes. He also underlined that the forum focuses on conducting research that addresses practical challenges faced by Ethiopia. By identifying key policy issues and directing research efforts towards finding practical solutions, the forum ensures that research outcomes are directly applicable to real-world problems. This pragmatic approach enhances the relevance and impact of the research conducted by federal research institutes.

H.E. Prof. Beyene echoed that the forum serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices. Researchers and policymakers have the opportunity to learn from each other's experiences and successes in addressing similar challenges. This exchange of knowledge allows for the identification and adoption of pragmatic approaches that have proved effective in other contexts, accelerating the development and implementation of solutions.

Next, Dr. Balew Demissie presented the forum’s background, objectives, outcomes, and annual plan to the officials of the forum member institutes. This document has been prepared by the technical committee drawn from five of the member institutes.  Dr. Balew has unveiled its comprehensive Annual Action Plan for the period July 2023 to June 2024. The Annual Action Plan sets the stage for a year of impactful policy dialogue, research training, meaningful research, and tangible outcomes, propelling Ethiopia towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Next, the officials of the 13 member institutes thoroughly discussed Dr. Balew’s presentation and they urged the technical committee of the forum to include the feedback given by the officials.

In a closing remark, H.E. Dr.  Beker Shalie, Director General of the Ethiopian Statistical Services, who is also recognized as the first idea generator for the establishment of this forum, emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of implemented policies and programs. By continuously assessing the effectiveness and impact of the solutions, the forum enables adaptive policymaking. If initial approaches do not yield the desired results, the forum facilitates adjustments and modifications to improve the effectiveness of interventions, ensuring that pragmatic solutions are continuously refined and optimized.

H.E. Dr. Beker Shale noted that the forum actively engages with the public, seeking their input and feedback on policy issues and proposed solutions. By incorporating public perspectives, the forum ensures that the solutions developed are responsive to the needs and aspirations of Ethiopian society. This participatory approach enhances the acceptance and implementation of pragmatic solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.

H.E. Dr.  Beker Shale underlined that as a country undergoing rapid economic, social, and political changes, Ethiopia recognizes the crucial role of evidence-based policymaking in driving positive change. In response, this forum is established as an independent and non-partisan forum dedicated to promoting evidence-based policymaking through high-quality research and constructive dialogue. As Ethiopia navigates its path towards inclusive governance and sustainable development, the Forum stands as a collaborative and informed platform where policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders come together to shape evidence-based policy reforms.

The Forum invites all stakeholders, policymakers, media, and researchers to join hands in their mission to foster evidence-based policymaking and contribute to Ethiopia's sustainable development journey.