FSS Celebrates its Silver Jubilee
The Forum for Social Studies (FSS), an independent think tank in Ethiopia, celebrated its 25th anniversary in grand style at its headquarters in Addis Ababa on Thursday, November 16, 2023. The event was a momentous occasion marked by various activities and reflections on the organization’s significant contributions over the past quarter-century.
The festivities took place at the new FSS building located around the Kebena roundabouts. It kicked off with an exhibition of photographs in the lobby showcasing the organization’s diverse activities and accomplishments over the last 25 years.
Dr. Yeraswork Admassie, Executive Director of FSS, opened the event with a warm welcome speech. He then invited the Guest of Honor, Dr. Negussu Legesse, Executive Director of the Consortium of Christian Relief and Development Associations (CCRDA) and Board President of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC), to give opening remarks and officially inaugurate the silver jubilee celebration.
Dr. Negussu expressed his gratitude for the invitation and extended his warmest congratulations to FSS and its dedicated members and staff. With his remarks, he officially marked the opening of the grand event.
The highlight of the day was a panel discussion on the theme “The Role of Think Tanks in Ethiopia’s Development,” featuring four distinguished panelists who presented on various aspects of the topic. Dr. Girma Teshome from the Ethiopian Policy Research Institute shared valuable insights on the role of think tanks in Ethiopia’s development. He was followed by Professor Masresha Teshome, representing the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, who discussed “The Policy Advice Mission of Ethiopian Academy of Sciences.” Dr. Amdissa Teshome, representing the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA), shared insights on “The Origin and Development of Think Tanks: Global and National Perspectives.” Professor Bahru Zewde, one of the founders of FSS and a former Executive Director, made a presentation on “Fostering Policy Research and Dialogue: The FSS Experience.” His presentation provided an illuminating overview of FSS’s journey.
Following these presentations, a lively discussion session moderated by Ato Desalegn Rahmato, a co-founder and senior agrarian economist, engaged the audience and enriched the understanding of the topics presented.
The celebration continued with a 25-minute documentary showcasing FSS’s remarkable journey and contributions.
The day’s agenda also included the recognition of individuals and institutions whose unwavering support and contributions played a pivotal role in the successful completion of the new office building and the achievement of FSS’s organizational mission.
The event reached its formal conclusion with a closing speech by Professor Bahru Zewde, Chair of FSS Executive Board and Silver Jubilee Celebrations Organizing Committee, followed by a lavish dinner hosted for participants and all those who had contributed to the success of this momentous occasion.
The Forum for Social Studies’ 25th-anniversary celebration was a testament to its enduring commitment to promoting policy research, policy dialogue, and development in Ethiopia. As FSS looks ahead to its future endeavors, it does so with a rich history of accomplishments and a renewed dedication to shaping Ethiopia’s policy landscape.
FSS would like to take this chance to thank all those who attended the grand event, and particularly expresses its gratefulness to the official sponsors of this especial milestone.