Awet Gebrekirstos Wereta

A native of Tigray with firsthand diplomatic experience, Awet is deeply committed to peace and development in the conflict-ridden Horn of Africa.

At the headquarters of Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he served in the Middle Eastern Affairs and Business and Economy Diplomacy Departments. His diplomatic assignment in Algeria saw him in charge of Political Affairs, with coverage extending to Western Sahara, Niger, and Chad, which provided him with invaluable insights and experience in the political, security, and governance landscape across North Africa and the broader Sahel Region.

His dedication extends to advocacy, demonstrated by volunteering as an advocacy expert in Europe while in Germany for two years during the devastating Tigray war that broke out in 2020 in his home State. During this period, he contributed to the active advocacy work of his fellow nationals in the Diaspora, helping to establish an effective Europe-wide movement, create awareness among European policymakers and the wider public, and push for an end to the conflict.

Beyond these advocacy efforts, he also engaged in research, presenting his findings at an International Political Science Conference held in Boston, USA. This paper specifically focused on the root causes of the conflict and potential ways forward, effectively bridging the gap between activism and academia.

Awet's Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program at Duke offers a foundational platform to deepen his understanding of the complex interplay between peace, governance, and development. He plans to pursue independent policy research into the economic and security dynamics of Africa, with a specific focus on development and institution building in the Horn of Africa. He aspires to leverage his studies and research to foster regional, continental, and global coexistence.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University, and a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations from Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs- affiliated School of Diplomacy and International Relations, at Ethiopian Civil Service University.