Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources (WGCFNR) at Hawassa University celebrated the 80th Anniversary of Ethiopia and Sweden’s diplomatic relationship and the 30 plus years of strategic alliance with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in the presence of Mr. Johan Romare, Deputy Ambassador & Deputy Head of Mission for Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia on July 14, 2026.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Teshale W/Amanuel, Dean of WGCFNR, pointed out the most enduring and impactful contributions of SIDA over the past three plus decades in turning a low-level college into a pioneering center of excellence in forestry education, research and leadership in Ethiopia and beyond. He noted that the generous contributions of SIDA at the college is not limited to funding projects rather the overall establishment would testify to the longstanding bilateral collaborations that produced modern research infrastructure, capable leaders, researchers, academicians in the forestry and natural resources management sector across Ethiopia.
Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research and Collaboration at Hawassa University, officiated the event where he praised the Swedish government and people for maintaining a strong and deep relationships that passed the test of time and regimes for 80 years and still counting. He also noted the fact that WGCFNR is among the most well established founding colleges of Hawassa University serving as home of scientists who have been contributing to the mitigation of global warming and climate change, a common agenda for all of humanity. He also appreciated the presence of His Excellency Mr. Johan Romare, the Deputy Ambassador, and Mr. Girum Bahri, National Programme Officer for Environment, Climate Change & Green Economy at the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia to celebrate this historical cooperation at WGCFNR.
His Excellency Mr. Johan Romare also expressed a heartfelt gratitude for the leadership of the college for well maintaining the remarkable legacies of this great collaboration over the years. He added that the two countries actually came into contact before 160 years and the diplomatic formal ties strengthened the shared interest, responsibility and history for the past eight decades. He noted that the Ethiopia-Sweden friendship is so deep, broad, and enduring that has stood up to the tests of time and his government cherishes this ageless legacy for generations to come.
The commemoration event included presentation on the historical relationship between Sweden/SIDA and WGCFNR; testimonies from SIDA beneficiary alumni including Prof. Yoseph Mamo, Prof. Tsegaye Bekele and Dr. Yemiru Tesfaye from WGCFNR on the significances of their experience in Swedish universities and beyond; commemorative cake cutting; photo and video exhibitions; seedlings planting; physical visit to selected labs and the college’s nursery; and discussion on possible future collaborations.
