Addis Ababa University (AAU) hosted a public lecture on national issues with a theme of “Securing Ethiopia’s National Interest and the Role of Higher Education” by Professor Ann Fitz-Gerard at Ras Mekonnen Hall of the University with the presence of various scholars including the AAU Interim President Samuel Kifle (PhD) and invited guests October 09/2023.

Professor Ann Fitz-Gerard, the Director of Balsillie School of International Affairs in Waterloo, Canada, Professor of Political Science (International Security), and a visiting Professor to some universities found in three African countries including Gondar and Jimma Universities of Ethiopia, delivered the lecture.

Prof. Ann stated the like between evidence-based research and national policy in relation to national interest with core values of more timeliness and universal notion of those principles characterized by a society.

According to Prof. Ann, national interest is the combination of core values and how these are understood in a given national context being foundations for stability, national policy and accountability.

Securing national interest emanates from a strong constitutional, predictable, accountable and decisive government which also establishes strong institutions enabling the academia (civil society) relevant, robust, student-centred and globally networked, she stated.

Prof. Ann detailed how technology impacts national or global goals focusing on food security, health issues and other related phenomena, research carried on these should be supported with knowledge and skillsets so that it may not be affected due to malformations.

Strong standard behind academic freedom, setting standard for data authenticity and use, focusing on both knowledge and skillsets, building a relevant and progressive research community, being honest about what we know and we what don’t know, … are some key terms to avoid the crisis of trust on research data and results, according to Prof. Ann.

Prof. Ann finally said that, besides Ethiopia is a landlocked country and having unsecured borders, key trends like population growth, increase in global warming, a new world order, competitive ground for increased foreign influence and the like remain predictive challenges to the country.

Editor: Abraham Girmay

Photo: Fikremariam Beyene