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Global Peace Bank and Ebenezer Supporting and Development Association Celebrate the Inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

September 14/2025

Hawssa, Ethiopia

 

Global Peace Bank and Ebenezer Supporting and Development Association jointly celebrated the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with a special event. The two civil society organizations held the ceremony on Saturday, September 3, 2025, at the Ebenezer Supporting and Development Association’s children’s shelter under the theme “Our Renaissance, to Our Enlightenment.” The event was organized to convey a message of congratulations to the entire Ethiopian people and peace-loving neighboring countries. 

 

“Ethiopia has been building the Abay for years; and now, the Abay, in turn, is building Ethiopia,” said Mr. Argaw Ayele, the founder and executive manager of both organizations. He emphasized that successfully achieving this long-standing development aspiration demonstrates Ethiopia’s and its African neighbors’ capacity to achieve great things. “The victory recorded in this generation will serve as a bridge for future generations, connecting us with our neighbors, with the dam as its foundation,” Mr. Argaw added. He further noted that Ethiopia, having overcome a long history of dependency, will see this achievement as a significant milestone in its efforts to live self-sufficiently. Linking his message to the upcoming Ethiopian New Year, he highlighted that the organizations, along with their children, staff, and administrative bodies, collectively raised 51,900 ETB, enabling them to proudly declare, “It is my Dam!”

 

Another guest at the event, political science scholar Mr. Deyamo Dale, spoke about the journey of the GERD from its inception to completion. He outlined the disputes with downstream countries, political negotiations, and pressures faced, sharing his experiences as an Ethiopian citizen advocating through diplomacy, media, and various platforms. “The Abay River connects us more closely with neighboring countries than other rivers. By managing the water from its tributaries in one basin and sharing it with our neighbors, Ethiopia demonstrates its tradition of equitable resource sharing,” he said. He underscored that Ethiopia’s poverty despite its water wealth is regrettable, and the dam’s completion plays a significant role in transforming this reality.

 

Distinguished guest, Mr. Tesfatsion Legesse, an expert in history, political science, and international relations, discussed the GERD’s challenges and controversies. He highlighted the agreement between Sudan and Egypt during British colonial rule, which excluded Ethiopia, describing it as not only unacceptable but also a glaring example of global injustice. “Our country’s ability to overcome this and achieve the dam’s completion is a great triumph,” he said, adding that the next challenge lies with future generations to sustain this victory. He urged the youth to recognize this responsibility, unite, and work toward realizing Ethiopia’s future aspirations.

 

Children, adolescents, and youth from Ebenezer Supporting and Development Association attended the event, expressing their joy at the dam’s completion. Through their representatives, they shared various messages, pledging to take on the significant responsibilities entrusted to them. They expressed their commitment to serve their country with dedication to development when they come of age and assume leadership roles.

The event was attended by various community members and concluded with blessings from elders, marking a meaningful celebration of the day.

 

2025-09-14