16 November 2024, Addis Ababa: The Ethiopia International Peace Support Training Institute (IPSTI) has inaugurated a new building that will help expand access to learning opportunities around peace and conflict management.

The new building was constructed with the financial contribution of the Governments of Ethiopia and Japan to the tune of $2,448,717 and $841,093 respectively. The 16-room three-story training building offers enabling environment and capacity for the IPSTI to provide simultaneous long-term courses (Master on Peace and Conflict Management) and short-term courses.

The IPSTI was established in 2011 to train and build the capacity of military, police and civilians serving peacekeeping operations. 681 trainees, including 113 females, have so far accessed various courses provided by the IPSTI. 101 out of 681 trainees were drawn from outside Ethiopia, with most international trainees mainly coming from the following countries: Tanzania, Rwanda, Djibouti, Burundi, Cameroon, Central Republic of Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Egypt, Mali, Liberia, Sudan, and South Sudan. The IPSI has also enrolled the third batch of master’s students, with the fourth batch expected to come on board soon.

Ambassador Shibata Hironori of Japan said, “The Government of Japan believes that the government of the great nation of Ethiopia, and in particular IPSTI, can play a significant role in the peace and stability in northeastern Africa, and also has high expectations for this,” and “The IPSTI continues to be a center of excellence for learning about peace keeping operations in Africa and earn its reputation through the successful engagement in PKOs by its graduates.”

The Government of Japan has contributed $3.7 million through the UNDP-managed project to strengthen the IPSTI's capacity to provide training since 2013 to date.

Col. Getu Taye, commandant of IPSTI noted, ‘’On behalf of IPSTI, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Japan for these invaluable supports in the postgraduate program, capacity-building training, and construction of our research and training building at the Peace Support Training Institute. These projects could not have been realised without your unwavering dedication and collaboration.’’

Mr Samuel Doe, UNDP Ethiopia Resident Representative noted, “Japan has remained a valued and strategic partner for UNDP over the years. We have partnered with Japan since 2013 to support the peacekeeping institute, within UNDP’s wider governance and peacebuilding portfolio. We have been honoured to witness the capacity of this great institution grow and deliver for peacekeepers within and outside Africa.”