| dc.description | The staff of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as high-level representatives of African governments, the African Union, UN agencies, and the diplomatic corps in Ethiopia, have celebrated the "trailblazing leadership" of outgoing ECA Executive Secretary and UN Under-Secretary-General, Vera Songwe.
During a farewell event organized at the ECA compound in Addis Ababa on 14 September, Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, highlighted Ms. Songwe's historic role as the first – and only – woman to have led the ECA. Mr. Pedro noted Ms. Songwe's transformative work at the organization, stating, "In the five years of Dr. Songwe's tenure, the Economic Commission for Africa has strengthened its position as Africa's voice on the global landscape."
Reflecting on her time at the ECA, the former Executive Secretary underscored the collaborative nature of her work at the organization. She said, "it has been an incredible opportunity and learning experience to work with each of the staff and each of the partners to tackle challenges that sometimes seemed insurmountable." Ms. Songwe also noted the joy of being a part of an institution that provides "tangible and measurable support" to the African Member States.
Ethiopian State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy, Tesfaye Yilma, attested to the former Executive Secretary's reliable and supportive leadership skills stating, "She has exceptionally steered the work of the ECA in the face of economic and health crises brought on by Covid-19 and other global challenges and suggested a way out." Mr. Yilma also highlighted the crucial support Ms. Songwe and the ECA have provided to Ethiopia's ongoing economic reform, tax reform, and green legacy. | en |
