Ambassador Kassa TekleBerhan Gebrehiwot

Affiliation

Embassy of Ethiopia

Date of Conference

2018

Files

Biography

H.E. Kassa Tekleberhan Gebrehiwot, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopian to the United States of America, served his government for more than thirty-five years in various capacities. Ambassador Kassa Gebrehiwot was born and raised in the ancient town of Seqota, (Amhara Region) where he began his life-long service to his nation. He worked with his colleagues for the establishment of a democratic system in Ethiopia that paves the road for the protection of human rights and promotion rapid economic development. His public service is both extensive and diverse including work in the legislative and the executive branches at the regional and the federal levels.

Immediately before his current appointment, Ambassador Kassa Gebrehiwot served as Minister of Federal Affairs and Pastoral Areas Development. In this capacity, he strived to create strong Federal and Regional relationships based on the rule of law, mutual respect and understanding among Ethiopia's diverse communities. He also made significant contributions to the provision of sustained assistance to those regions in need of special support, including those where pastoralists and agro-pastoralists live. Ambassador Kassa Gebrehiwot also served as Speaker of the House of Federation where his commitment to the equality of all Ethiopian people and to the rule of law was exhibited, which contributed to the smooth and proper functioning of the House of Federation. Ambassador Gebrehiwot's tenure in the Amhara National Regional State comprises many responsibilities in four major offices including the Head for the Bureau of Trade and Industry and Head of the Bureau of Administration and Security. His service in the Federal government nonetheless began during the transitional period where he served as the member command in the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense immediately following the downfall of the Dergue regime. Beyond his service in the above positions, his leadership skills and ability to work with others were highly sought by many public organizations, which led him to work as a chairperson of the Board of Addis Ababa University, Amhara Development Association, and Ethiopian Mineral, Petroleum and Biofuel Corporation. He also served as a vice-chair of the Board of the Foundation established in the name of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the board member of Gondar University. Ambassador Kassa Tekleberhan's service also extended to his participation in several development programs including with the Strategic Planning Development Program, Justice Sectors Reform Program, Security Officers Development Program, Conflict Management and Transformation Program, and Community Policing Program. All these functions and responsibilities yielded measurable results and gained Ambassador Kassa the admiration and respect of his fellow citizens from all walks of life. Ambassador Kassa Gebrehiwot’s participation in various committees and commissions such as the Federal Grant and Joint Revenue Standing Committee, the House of Federation and the Ethio-Sudan Joint Boundary Commission was highly valuable. Ambassador Kassa earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Ethiopian Civil Service College (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) and his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, California) where he was recognized as "Best Student of the Year." Ambassador Kassa has travelled to different countries where he has been able to explore new cultures and engage with various communities.