The Jimma University International Research Conference (JUIRC-2026) was held on April 29–30, 2026, under the grand theme “Regional Peace and Cooperation for Sustainable Development.” The conference served as a high-level platform for academics, policymakers, and international practitioners to address the complex challenges facing the Horn of Africa.
Distinguished Keynote and Lead Presentations
The conference was inaugurated with a keynote address by HE Mr. Kora Tushune, State Minister for the Ministry of Education (MoE), who emphasized the role of higher education as a catalyst for regional stability.
In his remarks, Dr. Jemal Abafita affirmed that research at Jimma University is aligned with national priorities and global development goals to promote sustainable development. He noted that the conference theme directly reflects this commitment and emphasized the university’s vital role in promoting peace.
The plenary sessions featured four influential Lead Papers presented by world-class experts, bridging the gap between technology, diplomacy, and economics:
- AI in Disaster Management: Prof. Ali Asgari (York University, Canada) – Explored AI as a “dual-use” technology, categorizing AI risks into operational, security, and systemic threats. He noted that the UK’s National Risk Register now classifies AI as a “chronic risk” and proposed a structured risk assessment framework to integrate AI hazards into the standard Disaster Risk Management cycle.
- Human Capital: Dr. Muluneh Atnaf (MoE) – Discussed AI as a transformative socio-technical force, introducing a layered architectural framework (Data, Content, Service, Network, and Device) for AI implementation. He argued that health and education are reinforcing systems; innovations in one inherently boost the human capital of the other.
- Green Growth: Mr. Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya (GGGI) – Presented on the intersection of green economies and regional connectivity. He identified six pillars of green growth and emphasized that projects must be “inclusive,” specifically targeting gender and youth-responsive planning to avoid risks like improper land disposition.
- Hydro-Diplomacy: Prof. Yakob Arsano (Addis Ababa University) – Provided a critical analysis of the Nile Basin, advocating for multilateralism over historical unilateralism. He highlighted the urgent need for energy security, noting that Ethiopia’s current electricity coverage is 54% despite a 10,000 MW potential, compared to Egypt’s 60,000 MW capacity.
Comprehensive Parallel Sessions and Subthemes
The conference showcased a vast array of research through 28 Oral and 20 Poster presentations, organized into four strategic subthemes:
- Subtheme 1: Responsible AI & Digital Innovation – Focused on using technology for conflict prediction, digital diplomacy, and preserving indigenous peace institutions.
- Subtheme 2: Climate Diplomacy & Transboundary Cooperation – Addressed the “Water-Energy-Food” nexus, the impacts of the GERD, and climate dynamics over the past 120 years.
- Subtheme 3: Green Economies & Inclusive Development – Examined the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative, digital economy growth, and urban green infrastructure.
- Subtheme 4: Innovation in Health & Education – Explored AI in medical diagnostics, maternal health services, and the role of academic actors in reconciliation.
A Hub of National and International Collaboration
JUIRC-2026 demonstrated exceptional institutional diversity. Research papers and participants originated from:
- International Institutions: Experts from Canada (York University) alongside international bodies like the GGGI.
- National Excellence: Over 15 Ethiopian universities were represented, including Jimma, Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Arba Minch, Ambo, Mattu, Wollo, Debre Markos, Bule Hora, Aksum, St. Mary, and Borana University.
- Government & Sectoral Partners: Key stakeholders participated from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture.
Closing and Call to Action
The conference concluded with a “Call to Action,” urging the translation of research findings into actionable policy briefs. A defining moment was the unveiling of the JUIRC-2026 Action Matrix, a strategic roadmap to ensure conference insights lead to tangible policy changes and community initiatives. The “Call for Action” identifies four concrete issues with specific timelines:
- AI Governance & Ethics (Short-term, 0–12 months): In partnership with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) and the MoE, Jimma University committed to developing AI risk mitigation strategies and AI literacy training for staff and students.
- Green Economy Integration (Short to Medium-term, 0–3 years): Efforts will focus on building regional research networks, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening digital connectivity platforms alongside the African Union and private sector partners.
- Hydro-Diplomacy Excellence (Medium to Long-term, 1–5 years): The University plans to establish a dedicated Hydro-Diplomacy Research Center to train experts in water negotiation and produce evidence-based policy briefs for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Evidence-to-Policy Translation (Short to Medium-term, 0–3 years): A new Policy Engagement and Evidence Translation Unit will be established within the university to bridge the gap between academic research and national policy needs.
By fostering this interdisciplinary dialogue, Jimma University has reaffirmed its leadership in the Global South, aligning local scholarly excellence with the aspirations of the UN SDGs and the AU Agenda 2063 for a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
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