Hawassa University

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. Hawassa University Ever to Excel!