120 Young Ethiopians from Canada Depart for Addis in Diaspora Engagement Drive

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Canada, Theodros Girma, underscored the importance of strengthening ties between the younger Ethiopian diaspora and their ancestral homeland as nearly 120 second-generation Ethiopians and their family members departed Canada for Addis Ababa today.

The youth delegation, coordinated by former national footballer Ashenafi Girma, departed Toronto for Addis Ababa as Ambassador Theodros hailed the initiative as a major step in strengthening diaspora ties with Ethiopia’s heritage and national identity.

 

The group is expected to spend one month in Ethiopia, participating in cultural exchange programs, heritage visits, volunteer work, and community service activities designed to strengthen their understanding of the country and their connection to it.

Ambassador Theodros said initiatives that engage second-generation Ethiopians are vital for preserving cultural identity and building enduring links between Ethiopia and its global diaspora.

He recalled Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s repeated calls for members of the Ethiopian diaspora, particularly younger generations, to strengthen their ties with their country of origin.

He noted that such programs can promote people-to-people diplomacy, encourage greater diaspora participation in national development and community initiatives, and create stronger bridges between Ethiopia and Ethiopian communities abroad.

 

On their part, Ashenafi Girma and members of the delegation expressed their commitment to sustaining and expanding the program, with the aim of creating long-term opportunities for young Ethiopians in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.

In its press release sent to ENA, the Ethiopian Embassy in Canada said the young Ethiopian diaspora participants are expected to engage with local communities and contribute to Ethiopia’s future development.