blog post

Global Peace Bank Congratulatory Letter on the Inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

Argaw Ayele (Manager)

 

September 10, 2025 

 

Dear Ethiopians, Ethiopian Diaspora, Neighbors in the Horn of Africa, and the Global Community, 

 

The Global Peace Bank (GPB) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ethiopia, its people, and the broader African continent on the historic inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on September 9, 2025. As Ethiopia has given birth to her "firstborn child" in the form of this monumental dam, we celebrate this achievement as a beacon of hope, unity, and progress, not only for Ethiopia but for the entire Horn of Africa and beyond. 

 

The GERD, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has eloquently stated, is “a great achievement for all black people” and a “symbol of Ethiopia’s resilience, unity, and ambition” that advances regional cooperation and mutual benefit. This milestone heralds the promise of future "children"—projects and initiatives that will uplift communities, harmonize cultures, and strengthen economic and political ties across the region. 

 

 

 

The GERD stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to self-determination and sustainable development, funded through the collective efforts of its citizens and diaspora, as highlighted by Kenyan President William Ruto, who praised it as “a bold affirmation of Africa’s capacity to shape its own destiny.” This dam is more than an engineering marvel; it is a catalyst for peace and prosperity, developing energy trade, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

 

 Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, present at the inauguration, underscores the regional significance of such initiatives, as does South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, whose attendance reflects a shared vision for a united Horn of Africa. The GERD’s capacity to generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity will power homes, industries, and aspirations, knitting closer the social and economic fabric of our region.

 

 

 

 

As GPB, our Neighbor First Approach aligns with the spirit of the GERD—a project that embodies mutual harmony and proactive peace-making. By supplying clean energy to neighbors like Kenya, Djibouti, and potentially others, the dam exemplifies how shared resources can build trust and cooperation, as President Ruto noted, enhancing “regional integration” and providing a “blueprint for scaling similar projects across Africa.” This initiative strengthens political goodwill, encourages cultural exchange through shared prosperity, and lays the foundation for dialogue to resolve tensions, particularly with downstream nations. We echo Prime Minister Abiy’s call for “constructive dialogue” with Egypt and Sudan, believing that peace is a shared dividend that flourishes when neighbors engage positively. 

 

 

 

 

As we celebrate this historic moment, GPB recommits to promoting peace through grassroots community conversations and high-level policy dialogues across Ethiopia and Africa. The GERD inspires us to cultivate a culture of peace, where neighbors—whether individuals, communities, or nations—work together for collective growth. We invite the global community to join us in celebrating this “firstborn” achievement and to support the birth of future initiatives that will drive harmony, resilience, and prosperity for all. 

 

Congratulations, Ethiopia and our neighbors! May the GERD illuminate a peaceful and united future for the Horn of Africa and the world. 

 

Sincerely,

 

The Global Peace Bank 


Promoting Peace through Neighbor First Approach

 

2025-09-10