Ethiopia Example for Africa in Preserving Cultural Identity, Sustainability: Africa Celebrates President

Addis Ababa, November 15, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and advancing sustainability sets an example for other African countries in safeguarding their cultural identity and promoting environmental action, African Celebrates President Lexy Mojo-Eyes said.

Africa Celebrates is an annual Pan-African festival that unites African Union member states, the diaspora, and global partners to celebrate the continent's diversity through culture, business, and innovation.

The festival is being held at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the President said Ethiopia’s historical experience, particularly its resistance to colonization, has enabled it to maintain a rich cultural heritage that offers valuable lessons for other African countries.

According to him, many African countries have experienced significant changes in their cultural practices, including traditional dressing, food, and languages, following colonial influence, while Ethiopia has largely maintained its cultural identity.

Mojo-Eyes noted that Ethiopia’s continued use of its indigenous languages, traditional clothing, food, and cultural practices demonstrates the importance of preserving African heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Highlighting the widespread use of the Amharic language in everyday communication across Ethiopia, the President said the country's continued use of its indigenous languages offers an important lesson for other African nations in preserving their linguistic and cultural identities.

Beyond cultural preservation, he also commended Ethiopia’s efforts to promote sustainability and raise public awareness about climate change and environmental protection.

 

Mojo-Eyes praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s climate initiatives, particularly efforts to promote sustainability, recycling, and environmental awareness, describing the progress made in Ethiopia as remarkable.

In this regard, he said Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 demonstrate the country's commitment to advancing sustainability and championing environmental action on the African continent.

For him, hosting the global climate conference would provide an important opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its sustainability efforts while encouraging other African countries to learn from its experience.

The President described Ethiopia’s role in championing sustainability and hosting COP32 as commendable, saying its experience could encourage other African countries to intensify their efforts toward environmental protection and sustainable development.