Regional Security & Migration: IOM launched a three-year counter-smuggling program in Somalia, targeting migrant smuggling, document fraud and transnational organized crime across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, with a focus on modernizing border management and airport security. Environment & Land Restoration: A new study on Ethiopia’s drylands reports forest cover rising from 1.9% in 2015 to over 22% by 2024, with assisted natural regeneration linked to major reductions in severe topsoil loss. Public Health: WHO praised the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for 100 years of work in surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory excellence and health innovation, highlighting a decades-long partnership. Urban Governance & Jobs: Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie launched construction of the city’s first Smart Polytechnic College, aimed at hands-on training for manufacturing, automotive, electronics and CNC skills. Digital Government: MESOB One Stop Service unveiled a three-year roadmap to expand technology-enabled, citizen-centric public services nationwide. Tourism Diplomacy: Ethiopia kicked off an Africa-wide tourism promotion campaign in Kenya, with plans to tour ten countries and boost intra-African travel. National Dialogue Mobilization: Volunteers supporting Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference say their work is a direct civic contribution to peace and unity. Red Sea Access Debate: A geopolitical analyst argues Ethiopia’s loss of direct Red Sea access stemmed from transitional decisions lacking constitutional legitimacy. BRICS & International Positioning: Iran’s interior minister urged BRICS to take a “clear and decisive” stand against attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. Business & Industry: L&T Heavy Engineering secured major international orders, including Dangote-linked refinery and fertiliser expansion equipment for Nigeria and Ethiopia. Sports: World Athletics ratified Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe’s 1:59:30 London Marathon as a world record.