College of Law and Governance at Hawassa University organized a National Research Conference on the theme of Governance, Peace, and Justice for sustainable Development of Ethiopia. 

During the opening speech, Dr. Deberework Debebe, Dean of the College of Law and Governance, welcomed the participants and notified them that the researchers were going to present 16 different research papers at the conference. He mentioned that the conference might provide a special opportunity for researchers and stakeholders of the governmental and non-governmental organizations to exchange experiences, gain new knowledge, and strengthen working relationships in enhancing collaborative efforts.

Dr. Ayele Hagena, a United Nations Environmental Programme Montevideo Environmental Law Programme National Focal Point said that the principle of sustainable development is embedded with the idea of long-term common interest controlling the treats of natural resources by humans. He strongly suggested that their utilization should have limitations to ensure their sustainability. The Law and Governance College is a key knowledge hub potential in a university to transform existing Governance, Peace, and Justice Problems. With their local reach and relevant skills and capacities, the governance and law schools are a real asset that fosters law development, compliance, and enforcement.

Dr. Demeke Achiso from the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University, in his keynote speech, said that the conference reflects the presence of vested interest and inquisitiveness on the part of the University scholars and concerned institutions to come together. It also brings all interested stakeholders together to exchange their experiences and views and to handle prevailing complex national socio-political situations in a collaborative, comprehensive, and integrative manner.