BAHIR DAR, ETHIOPIA — The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at Bahir Dar University, in collaboration with ReDSS, UNDP, Plan International, and the Amhara Region Disaster Prevention and Food Security Coordination Commission (DPFSCC), successfully concluded its 13th International Social Sciences Annual Conference, held from June 5–6, 2026.

Organized as the Regional Durable Solutions Conference, this year's event was convened under the theme "Conflict, Social Crisis, and the Pursuit of Peaceful Transformation in Ethiopia: Gender, Displacement, and Community Resilience.” The conference brought together scholars, development partners, government representatives, and civil society organizations to discuss Ethiopia’s pressing humanitarian, social, and security challenges.

Day One: Academic Engagement on Conflict, Displacement, and Resilience

The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Ayele Tariku, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, followed by an opening address from Dr. Mengesha Ayene, President of Bahir Dar University. Representatives of Plan International, ReDSS, UNDP, and DPFSCC also delivered remarks highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts toward durable solutions.

The academic program featured keynote addresses by Professor Bahru Zewde and Dr. Desalegn Amsalu, whose presentations stimulated extensive discussion on the historical and contemporary drivers of conflict in Ethiopia.

Research papers presented throughout the day addressed a range of critical issues, including mobility restrictions and local governance, community resilience during the Northern War, civilian rights violations in conflict settings, security challenges posed by non-state armed groups, post-conflict peacebuilding, human trafficking, and regional security dynamics in Africa.

The sessions were moderated by Mr. Girmaw Ashebir, Dr. Fantahun Ayele, and Dr. Kerebih Asris, while Dr. Ermias Debie and Dr. Nigusie Mandefro served as rapporteurs.

Day Two: From Academic Insights to Policy Dialogue

Building on the findings of the first day, the second day focused on policy dialogue and practical responses to displacement and humanitarian challenges. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Alemu Asfaw (ReDSS) and Dr. Tadie Degie (BDU), followed by a comprehensive recap of the previous day's deliberations.

Representatives from key institutions shared experiences, progress reports, and lessons learned from ongoing interventions:

• Mr. Kefyalew Golla, Early Warning and Response Director, Amhara Region DRMC;
• Ms. Emebet Mulugeta, Livelihoods, Economic and Social Recovery Specialist, UNDP;
• Mr. Tewodros Abate, Bahir Dar Coordination Office Lead, World Vision International Ethiopia; and
• Mr. Tamrat Teshome, Project Clerk, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Dessie Branch.

Moderated by Dr. Alemu Asfaw, the sessions culminated in an interactive panel discussion that explored ways of translating academic evidence into effective policy and programming for durable solutions.

Conference Outcomes

The conference concluded with closing remarks from Bahir Dar University representatives and a closing luncheon for participants. By bringing together researchers, policymakers, humanitarian actors, and development practitioners, the Faculty of Social Sciences successfully created a platform where academic knowledge and practical experience could inform one another.

The discussions and recommendations generated during the conference are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts toward peacebuilding, displacement response, community resilience, and sustainable development in Ethiopia.

The Faculty of Social Sciences extends its sincere appreciation to all collaborating organizations, presenters, panelists, moderators, and participants whose contributions made the conference a success.