Mittwoch, 31. Dezember 2014
Montag, 29. Dezember 2014
29.12. - 1 - Speech of The Day - INAUGURATION 1st SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
INAUGURATION OF ECONOMIC
COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
Inauguration
of the 1st Session of The United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa
...
Concerted action, co-operation, co-ordinated policies – these, honourable
delegates, are not just words, but great and noble conceptions. In them, and in
what they stand for, can be found the key to fulfilment of the longings and the
hopes of millions of Africans.
It is with great pleasure that We, on
behalf of Ourselves and Our beloved people, today extend Our warmest greetings
to the delegations of the Economic Commission for Africa who have gathered here
from all over this great continent, and, in particular, to The Honourable Dag
Hammerskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations, who is Our honoured
guest on this occasion. We welcome you all to Our capital.
The opening session of the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa is truly a most historic and significant event
for the great African continent. But a short half-century ago, only the most
far-sighted individuals dared predict that within fifty years Africa would have
so far progressed along the path of political and economic progress that a
conference such as this, where representatives of nine independent African
nations, as well as representatives of several other African countries have
gathered together in solemn conclave to consider the common problems of Africa
and the African peoples, would be possible. And yet this has come to pass, and
today we are assembled here for this very purpose. Our heart overflows in the attainment of this moment.
Only a few years ago, meetings to consider African problems were held
outside of Africa, and the fate of its peoples was decided by non-Africans.
Today, the tradition of Berlin and Algeciras has been repudiated, and it is
thanks to the Conferences of Accra and now of Addis Ababa that the peoples of
Africa can, at long last, deliberate on their own problems and future.
Striking Evolution
The political growth of the peoples of Africa, a development which has
come to fruition within the lifetime of every one of us here present, is one of
the most striking and extraordinary evolutions in the recorded history of man.
The political coming of age of the African peoples is ample testimony that we
are witnessing the inauguration of a new and splendid period in this
continent’s history. The number of African states which now enjoy their
independence is only nine, but this number will grow in the future. In 1960,
additional states will emerge into the brilliant sun of freedom, clear evidence
that the political growth, which in a few short years has transformed the
status of so great a number of the African peoples, has not yet finished, and
that it will not come to its end until the goal toward which this movement has
steadily and inexorably progressed has been totally realized.
Political independence, however, is but one part of the complex of
problems which face the African peoples in their struggles to achieve their
rightful place in the world. It is potentially the richest of continents, large
numbers of her people still lead an existence that can only be regarded as
sub-standard. A major cause of this lag in Africa’s economic development has
been the lack of education of her peoples. Let us not be too proud to face
these facts and to recognize Africa’s deficiencies and defects. Let us face
honestly and frankly the fact that by the standards of the modern world, the
African peoples today are poor. Our poverty need not cover us with shame.
Africa, despite the predominantly agricultural basis of her economy, produces
only a small percent of the world’s foodstuffs. Indeed, Africa produces
scarcely enough food to support her own peoples. The average wage of the
African worker compares unfavourably with that of other areas of the world. The
average African may, if fate has smiled upon him, receive the minimum amount of
nourishment necessary for physical survival, but rarely more.
Freedom Was Absent
Among the reasons for the poverty and hard life of the African peoples
must be numbered the fact that heretofore most Africans have not enjoyed the
freedom which they are now attaining. In addition, the lack of the capital
essential to the development of their economies and the shortage of technically
qualified personnel have severely limited Africa’s capacity for economic
growth.
But, just as we must not be too proud to recognize the facts of Africa’s
economic situation as it exists today, so we must not be cast down or
discouraged by the magnitude of the problems which face us. For Africa is
potentially rich. She has enormous deposits of raw materials, and the total
extent of her wealth is by no means yet known. Africa produces large quantities
of several of the world’s basic minerals and metals. She produces large
quantities of various agricultural products such as palm oil and cocoa. The
fertility of much of her land is potentially high in the extreme. A tremendous
potential for the production of hydro-electric power and the irrigation of her
land is found in the lakes and rivers of this great continent.
The vista that opens before the Economic Commission for Africa in
fulfilling the weighty responsibilities laid upon it by the United Nations
General Assembly is vast. The tasks are immense. Much labour and toil will be
demanded, not only from those who will constitute the permanent organization,
but also from the governments of all countries and territories in fulfilling
the commitments and discharging the responsibilities resting upon its members
and associate members. The economies of the African states have too long
existed as separate, self-contained, isolated entities. African countries have
for too long been forced to nurse their own economies and puzzle out their
complicated problems by themselves, or else have them handled haphazardly for
them by others. We are all only too well acquainted with the difficulties and
barriers that the African peoples have had to overcome in coming together to
deliberate on matters of common interest. But it is impossible to believe that
individual countries, working alone and isolated from their neighbours, can
ever achieve their objectives, and the African peoples must therefore work and
co-operate together if the economic development of this continent is to be
furthered.
Ethiopia’s Experience
The Ethiopian people in particular, long isolated socially and
geographically, have had to plough a lonely furrow in many fields of economic
endeavour, lacking the right and the facility to draw upon the experience and
knowledge of others who were attempting to solve almost identical problems.
Now, however, as almost every paragraph in the Charter of this Commission
emphasizes, the goal on which Our eyes have always been fixed as a primary goal
for Our people – the raising of their standard of living – has become the declared
objective of the Governments of the member-states whose representatives are
gathered here today, to be sought, in every way, by concerted action. Concerted
action, co-operation, co-ordinated policies – these, honourable delegates, are
not just words, but great and noble conceptions. In them, and in what they
stand for, can be found the key to fulfilment of the longings and the hopes of
millions of Africans.
Our task, the task of all gathered here and of those other African
countries who are not numbered among the representatives at this first session
of the Economic Commission for Africa, is to improve the economic lot of all
African peoples, to raise them to a standard of living comparable to that
enjoyed in the most highly-developed regions of the world today. This is a task
and a challenge which must be met. And because this touches all of us, all must
labour and work for success in this endeavour.
When the Commission comes to consider specific problems in the course of
its deliberations, We ardently hope that it will give serious consideration to
finding ways and means of extending immediate economic assistance not only to
all African nations which are in need of such aid, but, as well, to those
territories which are on the threshold of independence. It must constantly be
borne in mind that the economic problems of some of the younger African states
and of those areas which are on the verge of statehood are most pressing and
serious. The United Nations Organization and the older States are, consequently,
under a grave moral obligation to alleviate the economic difficulties of these
young States and territories, and to help them found their economic structure
upon a firm basis that will maintain and assure their political independence.
Political and economic progress should go hand in hand.
Practical Steps
There are other grave and important matters to which We trust the
Commission will not fail to direct its attention. Among these are the
implications of the involvement of African nations in regional preferential
trade agreements with nations of other continents. The Commission could well
take concrete steps to explore the possibilities of establishing statistical
bureaux where none now exist, and of co-ordinating and unifying the statistical
methodology to be employed in common by all member states. A programme of close
co-operation between the Commission and the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization to study the possibilities of increasing food production in areas
where people are under-nourished, and of wiping out cattle disease, problems of
great importance to African countries whose economies are predominantly
agricultural, would fulfil a long-felt need.
In view of the great influence of public health problems upon the
economic development of African countries, the exploration and recommendation
of solutions to such problems by the Commission, in collaboration with the
World Health Organization, would aid immeasurably in accelerating the tempo of
the economic development of the African continent. All African countries depend
on their export trade and a manifest need exists for the promotion, stabilization
and diversification of exports of the ECA member countries. The Commission
should give serious consideration to the prevalent transportation and
communication problems which have a considerable influence upon the development
of all African countries, and seek resolutely to find solutions to the
difficulties which perplex us all in these fields. Solving these problems would
contribute much toward the economic development of Africa. In undertaking such
a study, due consideration should be given to the desirability of establishing
closer connections between the various national transportation systems, thus
encouraging closer economic and commercial relations among member states.
It is appropriate that this gathering today is held under the
sponsorship of the United Nations. The United Nations is a living and tangible
testimony to the value of co-operative efforts among all men to improve their
way of life and preserve peace. We believe that the African peoples, too, can
co-operate effectively for the common good, for their own good and for that of
all men. But this requires single-mindedness and an unswerving devolution to
the cause of Africa and the African peoples. In your work, you must take into
your hearts and be guided by the principle expressed in the Holy Scripture
“Love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Draw Upon Lessons
Africa is not the first geographical area to be embraced by a regional
Economic Commission. This We do not consider a disadvantage, since the
experience gained and the lessons learnt by its predecessors in Europe, Latin
America and Asia and the Far East can be drawn upon. But many of the economic
and social problems are new, and the paths untrodden. In your task of finding
the answers and the way, honourable delegates, not only the eyes of all Africa
but of all the world will be upon you. We, for Our part, pledge the highest
endeavours of Our Government and people in aiding and speeding your work, not
only for this meeting of the Commission, but for the efforts and objectives of
this organization in the years that are to come. May Almighty God prosper that
work, and grant that it may be pursued in peace, in peace of mind and of
circumstance unhindered by the fact or threat of war.
This land, of which you are the honoured guests, has known and suffered
from the horrors and brutalities of war. The threats of armed conflict, the
obsession with war and armed might, are evils yet to be eradicated from the
minds of men. So long as they survive, progress towards the high and noble
objectives to which this organization is dedicated will be handicapped and
enveloped in darkness. In the mobilization of economic resources, in the search
for ways to improve the lot of man, whether African or not, the threat to peace
stands as a grim obstacle. The essential prerequisite for economic and social
contentment is world peace, and without such contentment, the weeds of
discontent luxuriate, and threats to peace develop.
We pray that peace may be vouchsafed to all men, that the labours of
this Commission may ever be conducted in an atmosphere of harmony and
co-operation.
Dec. 29, 1958.
Speeches delivered by His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions -
page 99 - &
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 192 –
 |
| Secretary-General
Dag Hammarskjöld greeting His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie
I. At centre back is Mr. Mekki Abbas, Executive Secretary of ECA. 29 December 1958 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Donnerstag, 25. Dezember 2014
25.12. - 1 - Speech of The Day - CHRISTMAS MESSAGE ON B.B.C.
Chapter VI,
page 40,
of the English translation of
„My Life and Ethiopia`s Progress – Volume Two:
Addis Abeba 1966 E.C.“
"While We were in England We befriended many people and in
December 1937, on Christmas Day, received more than 1,000...letters and many
Christmas greeting cards from America. The Americans asked Us to make a radio
speech in order to identify Our supporters and thank them all. Thus, with Ato
Wolde Giorgis Wolde Yohannes and Ato Ephraim Tewolde Medhin, We left Paddington
Station by taxi for the B.B.C. studios. On Our way the taxi had a collision in
wich we fractured Our knee bone and suffered great pain. ...
... The full text of the speech We broadcasted that day to the American
people was as follows:
I am very pleased to send you words of my best wishes for your happiness, progress and peace, on this blessed day for mankind, from the capital of Great Britain, which is renowned for its hospitality. Let peace reign in your hearts, among your families, in the unity of your governments, and in your relations with other peoples of the world. There is no greater day of gratitude and joy for Christians than celebrating the birthday of Our Saviour Jesus Christ. On this day of happiness, every Christian, by meditating on [Jesus'] life and the work He accomplished for all of us, tends to forget the trials he faces and the sadness that breaks his heart. At the same time everyone is inclined to minimize the trials and sorrows of his own, his kindred, and friends and forgives those who have grieved him. Since Our childhood, Our innermost thoughts have been overwhelmed by the mysterious deep spirit of the divine infant's birth, which is not only expressive but also glorious and inscrutable. Likewise, no matter what one's reputation, whether one's accomplishment is great or humble, tiresome or fruitless, in the journey of life, the mystery of Bethlehem dominates our spirit.
With the birth of the Son of God, an unprecedented, an unrepeatable, and a long-anticipated phenomenon occurred. He was born in a stable instead of a palace, in a manger instead of a crib. The hearts of the Wise men were struck by fear and wonder due to His Majestic Humbleness. The kings prostrated themselves before Him and worshipped Him. 'Peace be to those who have good will'. This became the first message.
When He sacrificed himself at Golgotha for the atonement of our sin, He prayed with His last breath for the forgiveness of those who had tortured Him saying, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do'. Shame on those of us who are Christians and do not follow the way of the Savior of the World, whose life was filled with kindness, humility, and martyrdom! If we lived by the laws he gave us and were worthy of being called Christian, peace would have reigned on this earth.
Men were supposed to be the equals of the living angels who unceasingly sang praises before the eternal God. Had this been so, peoples of the world would not have been divided along lines of enmity. In truth there is no legitimate reason or good cause which justifies war. Was it not this fundamental spirit which dwelt in American statesmen and their brothers in other parts of the world that enabled them to write the new international principles according to the laws of Our Savior. The principles were intended to avoid the calamities of war and to bring together the big and small nations of the world as one family and settle disputes that might arise between them through appropriate law and justice.
Well, there is not much to do about that! Although the toils of wise people may earn them respect, it is a fact of life that the spirit of the wicked continues to cast its shadow on this world. The arrogant are seen visibly leading their people into crime and destruction. The laws of the League of Nations are constantly violated and wars and acts of aggression repeatedly take place, and in regard to this, your honorable president told you recently that the principles of [the Covenent of the League of Nations], which were meant to assure the peace and safety of all peoples, were trampled on, and the forum of peace was consequently disrupted. The respectable idea on which [the league] was founded was made an object of mockery. The two-thousand-year-old Christian Civilization was threatened with destruction. If this happens, there will be a return to the days of barbarism, when the mighty could realize their aspirations at will. So that the spirit of the cursed will not gain predominance over the human race whom Christ redeemed with his blood, all peace loving people should cooperate to stand firm in order to preserve and promote lawfulness and peace.
War is not the only means to stop war. Men of goodwill, who fully recognize their duties, should be able, with the assistance of all free men, to prevent war and help rehabilitate all those who were debilitated and damaged by war, in order to protect this precious diamond, 'Peace'.
People of America! I wish you a merry Christmas. I plead with you to remember in your prayers all those weak and endangered peoples who look to the flags of the free nations with confidence, hoping to discern the star which will announce their peace and future security.
Saturday, December 25, 1937
Links:
Mittwoch, 24. Dezember 2014
24.12. - 1 - INAUGURATING TEXTILE MILL AT MOJO
INAUGURATING TEXTILE MILL AT MOJO
….. We are happy to witness, from one day to the next,
the realization of our fervent wish that new industries be established in
Ethiopia. As education is the gate which opens the way to development and
progress, so is industrialization one of the principal paths to be followed to
the achievement of these goals.
The improvement and expansion of agriculture and
cattle-breeding which have been accomplished with the assistance of modern
education should not be underestimated. These fields comprise the basis of Our
people’s livelihood, and advances in these have been badly needed and hard-won.
Education is also essential to industrial growth. So
too, is co-operation with friendly nations vital, and we are gratified at the
number of joint endeavours being undertaken in various areas of industry.
This nylon factory, the third project inaugurated by
Us in recent weeks in which Japanese capital and skills have been enlisted, is
further testimony to the ever-strengthening relations which exist between
Ethiopia and the friendly nation of Japan. Each new project is welcomed as a
further step taking Us closer to Our goal.
It is Our desire
that Ethiopia become self-sufficient both quantitatively and qualitatively, in
meeting her textile needs. We are confident that Our efforts will in the not
too distant future bring this wish to fulfilment.
We are also
encouraged that increasing numbers of Ethiopians are actively participating in
this and other industrial projects. As Ethiopian skills and know-how increase,
as Ethiopian abilities are more fully developed, Our people will attain a
greater and more complete mastery of the intricacies of modern technical and
administrative techniques and methods.
We wish this
enterprise a successful and prosperous life.
Dec. 24, 1966
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 535 –
Freitag, 19. Dezember 2014
19.12. - 2 - Speech of The Day - 25th ANNIVERSARY ETHIOPIAN WOMEN`S WELFARE ASSOCIATION
On Saturday, December 19, 1959, on the occa-
sion of the 25th anniversary of the Ethiopian
Women's Welfare Association at Janhoy Meda
His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I offi-
cially opened the festival. Below is His Imperial
Majesty's speech:
"We are happy to witness that the
Women's Welfare
Association has reached this important event of cele-
brating its 25th Anniversary.
This Association has,
since its creation during the
war, rendered many social services.
This is not the first time that
Ethiopian women have
served their country and their Emperor side by side with
their menfolk, as history can vouchsafe this well-known
fact.
We are satisfied with the ability that
Ethiopian
women have shown in Our new educational progress.
Not only is it Our desire that, in the future, women should
not have less chance than men but it is also Our intention
to encourage them to make equal contributions by
participating with their menfolk in the various projects
for the development of their country,
It is Our hope that this Women's
Association, es-
tablished under the patronage and guidance of Her
Majesty the Empress will continue to prosper and in-
crease the number of its followers by inspiring them
with its good example. We will not fail to mention
on this occasion the late Princess Tsahai and Lady
Barton who had dedicated their efforts for the founding
of the Association. Nothing gives Us greater happiness
than having founded development programmes and
seeing that men and women are now equally benefitting
from the
projects which we initiated for all Ethiopia,"
Speeches delivered by His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions -
page 183 -
19.12. - 1 - Speech of The Day - CONVOCATION OF HAILE SELASSIE I UNIVERSITY
CONVOCATION OF HAILE SELASSIE I UNIVERSITY
.....
Leadership developed here should be guided by the fundamental values and
moral power which have for centuries constituted the essence of our religious
teachings.....Discipline of the mind is a basic ingredient of genuine
morality and therefore of spiritual strength. Indeed, a university, taken in
all its aspects, is essentially a spiritual enterprise which, along with the
knowledge and training it imparts, leads students into more wise living and a
greater sensitivity to life’s responsibilities.....
This is a most historic occasion for Us,
and for the entire Ethiopian people. Today, the first convocation of this
University, affords Us Our first opportunity, as Chancellor, to address the
Governors, the Faculty, and the students as a single group.
We welcome and greet you all on this
occasion. You who have in the past, either as teachers or students, been united
in spirit although members of diverse educational institutions, are now truly
united in this University. We welcome the members of the Board of Governors,
who will direct the policy of the University. We welcome the administrators,
who will provide the framework within which teacher and student alike will
work. We welcome you, the professors, the instructors, the lecturers, to whom
has been confided the task of leading our youth to higher levels of knowledge
and learning. We welcome the students, our own and those from other lands, who
will study here and from among whom will come future leaders.
We may pause briefly now to enquire why
this University is being established, what goals it is seeking to achieve, what
results we may expect of it and what contributions it can reasonably be
expected to make.
A
fundamental objective of the University must be the safeguarding and the
developing of the culture of the people which it serves. This University is a
product of that culture; it is the grouping together of those capable of
understanding and using the accumulated heritage of the Ethiopian people. In
this University men and women will, working in association with one another,
study the well-springs of our culture, trace its development, and mould its
future. That which enables Us today to open a university of such a standard is
the wealth of literature and learning now extinct elsewhere in the world which
through hard work and perseverance our forefathers have preserved for us. On
this occasion We would like to remember with gratitude these fathers of great
learning among whom We quote a few names such as Yared, Abba Giorgis of
Gasicha, Absadi of Insaro, Wolde-Ab Wolde Mikael, Arat Ayina Goshu, Memihir
Akala Wold and Aleka Gabra Medihin.
Music, drama and other forms of art are
rooted in the ancient history of our Empire, and their development to an even
higher peak of perfection will be possible in the atmosphere of a university.
Ethiopia is possessed of an ancient literature, and its study can be fostered
here so that the Ethiopian youth, inspired by this national example, may raise
it to yet higher levels of excellence. The study of the heroic history of Our
Empire will stimulate the imagination of budding authors and teachers. The
understanding of that philosophy of life which is the basis of our traditional
customs will lead us all to a better understanding of our nation and of our
nation’s expression through the arts.
Spiritual Qualities No Longer Enough
The immediate and practical aim of this institution obviously is to
educate the Ethiopian youth and to prepare them to serve their country.
Although such education may be technical, it must nonetheless be founded on
Ethiopia’s cultural heritage if it is to bear fruit and if the student is to be
well adapted to his environment and the effective use of his skills facilitated.
Time was when strength and endurance, courage and faith, were sufficient
to make leadership equal to the task. But times have changed and these
spiritual qualities are no longer enough. Today, knowledge and training, as
provided largely in the universities of the world, have become essential, and
today leadership and advancement, both national and international, rely heavily
upon the products of universities. Even as Mr. Tubman, Mr. U-Nu, Madame
Bandaranaika and Mr. U Thant were each educated in their own land, We trust
that this University will produce leaders of comparable stature. In all
countries of the modern world, special competence is required to deal with the
advancement of agriculture, industry, commerce, and the civil service. That
competence can be secured only through facilities which are provided in modern
universities. We have often pointed out that the future of Ethiopia is largely
conditioned upon accelerated agricultural development, upon mineral
exploit-ation and upon industrial expansion. Her survival depends on these, but
they, in turn, depend upon the competence of those who have received and who
will receive the essential education and training. It is Our confident hope
that this institution, which has been planned for many years will provide here,
in our own land, for our own youth, the higher education and the specialized
training required for such development.
That which man dreams of and to which he aspires, unless fulfilled in
his own lifetime, can produce no actual satisfaction to him. As for Us, thanks
be unto God that in the founding of this University We have realized a lifelong
aspiration.
Fundamental Values and Moral Power
Considering the role of universities in a
broader sense, We are persuaded that these institutions stand today as the most
promising hope for constructive solutions to the problems that beset the modern
world – problems which prevent the peaceful co-operation of nations, problems
which threaten the world and humanity with death and disaster. From the universities
must come men, ideas, knowledge, experience, technical skills, and the deep
humane understanding vital to fruitful relations among nations. Without these,
world order, for which We have so long strived, cannot be established. From the
universities, too, must come that ability which is the most valuable attribute
of civilized men everywhere; the ability to transcend narrow passions and to
engage in honest conversation; for civilization is by nature “the victory of
persuasion over force.”
Unity is strength.
No nation can divide within itself and
remain powerful. It is this strong conviction that underlies the decision to
plan for the well-organized and co-ordinated system of education, training, and
research which a university represents. A university is the fountain of
learning; seek knowledge, and there you shall find it.
Nor
can we ignore the importance of the spiritual in this academic life. Learning
and technical training must be nurtured by faith in God, reverence for the
human soul, and respect for the reasoning mind. There is no safer anchorage for
our learning, our lives, and our public actions than that provided by Divine
teachings coupled with the best in human understanding. Leadership developed
here should be guided by the fundamental values and the moral power which have
for centuries constituted the essence of our religious teachings. These are
crucial times when nations rise against nations. Tensions increase, and
disaster is possible at any moment. Distances are shrinking; peace and life are
threatened by misunderstanding and conflict. Now is the time when the sincere
belief in man’s kinship to God must be the foundation for all of man’s efforts
for enlightenment and learning – the basis for all understanding, co-operation
and peace. We charge all of you, the members of this University, that these
special values remain foremost, as a foundation for your knowledge and thought,
so that the fundamental moral truths will buttress and support the whole
structure of university life.
Discipline of the mind is a basic
ingredient of genuine morality and therefore of spiritual strength. Indeed, a
university, taken in all its aspects, is essentially a spiritual enterprise
which, along with the knowledge and training it imparts, leads students into
more wise living and a greater sensitivity to life’s responsibilities. Up to
the present, technical training has been achieved through the College of
Engineering and in the Ethio-Swedish Building College. These institutions, We
trust, which are now merged into the University, will be expanded and developed
so that the number of competent Ethiopian technicians will continue to
increase.
Education: An Investment
Education
is costly, and higher education is the most costly of all. But it is also an
investment, a very profitable investment, and the money spent in coordinating,
strengthening, and expanding higher education in Ethiopia is well invested. We
are proud of Our people’s recognition of the value of education. Their
concerted effort in the building of schools and other social activities is most
gratifying. Educational institutions, unlike business enterprises, do not exist
and operate for profits in dollars and cents. They exist to perform public
services, and they are judged by the effectiveness and economy with which they
perform these services.
To
the Board of Governors, to the administrators, We recommend economy, so that
the benefits of the University can be enjoyed by as many of our young men and
women as possible. Not a dollar should be wasted of the money so hardly earned
and so generously contributed by our own Government and by the Governments of
other nations. Plan thoughtfully, supervise closely, and manage economically,
to the end that the greatest possible return may be realized in the preparation
of competent manpower, in useful research and in training both technical and
moral leadership. An immediate gain of the consolidation and coordination, the
centralization of resources and operations, should be a saving in costs, and We
urge all to co-operate fully in the attempt to realize this objective.
Diligence is demanded in developing this University as rapidly as possible to
meet the compelling needs of Our Empire.
We would ask that extraordinary emphasis
be placed on the training of teachers for our primary and secondary schools.
The educational process cannot be a narrow column; it must be in the shape of a
pyramid and broadly based. To provide this broad base, large numbers of
teachers are required, and we have a duty to provide Ethiopian teachers for
these schools. This is why We have established teacher training centres in
Harar and other places.
Need For Various Disciplines
The study of the humanities must not be neglected, and the College of
Arts and Sciences must be strengthened and encouraged to develop its studies.
These are the subjects which contribute most to the understanding and growth of
our cultural heritage, and so assist in fulfilling one of the University’s
primary aims. These studies, which are concerned with human cultural
achievements, human rights, and duties, human freedoms, will enable youth to
develop the understanding and judgment necessary to the formulation of a sound
philosophy of life, to the making of wise choices, and to understanding what is
involved in these choices. These young people face a world beset with the most
effectively organized programme of deceptive propaganda and of thinly screened
operations ever known; they deserve the best that can be taught by their
parents, by religious institutions and by the University, to prepare them for a
wise choice among contending ideals.
We would ask for the immediate founding of a graduate Faculty of Law,
where our own graduates may be trained to enter the legal profession. Our
Empire has need, in its government, its commerce, for well-educated lawyers,
and particularly for those who have been trained in their own university, in
their own codes and customs. We would also ask for the organization of a
Faculty of Medicine in the near future. The training of doctors is a long and
arduous process, and this very fact makes it all the more urgent that our own
faculty be inaugurated as soon as possible.
While laying great stress on education for our younger citizens, we
should not forget the obligation and the opportunity which the University will
have with respect to the older citizens. As We study the plans and projects of
this University, We realize that much attention is being given to the extension
of its usefulness to the entire population, in the form of extension courses
and lectures. This is according to Our wish. Haile Selassie I University should
attempt, either at this main site or at a branch, to serve every qualified
citizen who wishes and is able to avail himself of the resources of the
University if he is willing to do the required work.
Highest Calling
We do not suggest that the list of needs which We have mentioned is
complete, but they represent needs to which this University is seeking to
respond. The heaviest responsibility will, naturally, fall on the faculty.
Theirs is the job in the knowledge and in the special skills. We may all be
proud of the Ethiopian members of the faculty who have adopted this highest of
callings and who have in the past and will continue in the future to render
great service to their nation. The teachers who, in the past, coming from many
different countries, have discharged the duty of educating Ethiopia’s young men
and women have earned Our appreciation and gratitude and the appreciation and
gratitude of all of us. Their example should spur on those who staff the
faculty of the University to pursue their tasks with diligence and to spare no
effort to ensure that their teaching inspires those who study in their
classrooms.
We sincerely
thank Dr. Lucien Matte who assisted Us for many years with loyalty, devotion
and diligence in Our efforts for the progress of education in Our country and
in the establishment of the University College of Addis Ababa which is one of
the affiliated institutions of the Haile Selassie I University.
Also We wish to remember the late Mr. A. Besse who was one of those who
have generously contributed towards the establishment of this University.
All of you must maintain the highest standards in your instruction in
order that the overall standard of this University may be second to none. Work
together in harmony, as a team, in raising this institution to the highest
academic levels. Each of you must do his part to contribute to the advancement
of knowledge. You must above all be scholarly, for it is by deeds rather than
by words that you can most effectively inspire your students to heed your
words. Each of you should consider it his duty to pursue research in your own
field of study, for you will thereby bring renown both upon yourselves and upon
the institution.
On many occasions during recent years, We have had the opportunity to
speak to our students. We trust that Our love and consideration for them and
the deep interest which We feel in their progress has been felt and understood.
Today, We have dedicated Our home, which We received from Our noble father, to
their service, as a free gift to the nation, in the hope that We thus
contribute to the opportunity for them to prepare for fruitful careers.
We ask that each student who passes through these halls devote himself
to the development of his mind and body, his mental and physical prowess, so as
to be better able to serve his country and his fellow countrymen. Choose the
field of study which best suits your talents, continue unwavering in your diligent
studies, prepare yourself for service in whatever profession you may best be
fitted. God grant you success.
Dec. 19, 1961.
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 19 –
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