Hailemariam Desalegn Quotes

Powerful Hailemariam Desalegn for Daily Growth

About Hailemariam Desalegn

Hailemariam Desalegn is a distinguished Ethiopian politician, diplomat, and author who served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 2012 to 2019. Born on March 23, 1965, in Bishoftu, Oromia Region, Hailemariam was the fourth of seven children in a family of farmers. His early life was marked by hardship, as he walked miles to school and worked on his family's farm during holidays. Hailemariam's political journey began in 1987 when he joined the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a coalition of four political organizations that governed Ethiopia after the fall of the Marxist military government. He rose through the ranks, serving as President of the Oromiya Regional State from 2000 to 2010, and then as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs before becoming Prime Minister in 2012. As Prime Minister, Hailemariam implemented various economic reforms aimed at reducing poverty and increasing foreign investment. He also played a crucial role in the reconciliation process with Eritrea, signing the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship in July 2018. In October 2019, he resigned from his position, citing the need for a "fresh start." Hailemariam is also an accomplished author, penning several books in Amharic, including "In Search of Ethiopia's Lost Territories" and "Ethiopia on the Move: Development and Democracy." His writings reflect his deep love for his country and his commitment to its progress. Today, Hailemariam continues to contribute to regional and global affairs as a respected voice in diplomacy. His life story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that even those who start from humble beginnings can make significant contributions to their nations and the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Let us work together for a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia."

The quote emphasizes unity, cooperation, and collective effort to achieve peace and prosperity in Ethiopia. This call to action encourages all members of the society to collaborate and work towards creating an environment where tranquility and economic growth coexist. It underscores the idea that by working together, the people can overcome challenges, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build a successful future for their nation.


"We have to focus on building our own capacities. We should not be dependent on others for development."

This quote emphasizes self-reliance and the importance of domestic capacity building in economic and social development. It suggests that a nation should strive to develop its own resources, skills, and infrastructure, rather than relying excessively on external aid or assistance. This perspective encourages the nurturing of indigenous talent, innovation, and sustainable growth strategies, ultimately leading towards national prosperity and resilience.


"Inclusion and participation are key to sustainable development."

Hailemariam Desalegn's quote emphasizes that for sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to ensure inclusivity and active participation of all members within a society or system. This means recognizing and valuing the contributions of everyone, irrespective of their background, and giving them equal opportunities to engage in decision-making processes. By doing so, we can create more resilient and adaptive communities capable of addressing complex challenges over the long term. Inclusion fosters unity, promotes diversity, and strengthens social cohesion – all essential elements for sustainable development.


"Good governance is about creating an enabling environment where citizens can actively participate in the economic, social, and political development of their country."

This quote highlights the essence of effective governance as the act of designing a conducive atmosphere that empowers citizens to contribute actively towards their nation's economic, social, and political advancement. Good governance emphasizes inclusion, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that every citizen can participate in decision-making processes, improving overall wellbeing, and fostering sustainable development. This quote underlines the importance of people-centric leadership and active participation to build a prosperous and equitable society.


"Education is a fundamental human right that plays a crucial role in the development of every individual and society as a whole."

This quote highlights the importance of education in both an individual's life and societal development. It underscores the universal nature of education as a basic human right, accessible to all regardless of their background or circumstances. A well-educated population is essential for overall societal advancement, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and progressive change. Education empowers individuals, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society and improving their quality of life. It serves as a catalyst for personal growth, self-realization, and the promotion of peace, justice, and equal opportunities.


We have never been colonized, because of our attitude... We have the confidence, the moral authority, and our people are also enough to tell us what they want to tell us.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Confidence, Tell, Been, Our People

Free media is very essential for the democratic process and... development.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Process, Development, Very, Essential

It should be underscored that our goal is not, and should not, be a crusade against the ICC but a solemn call for the organisation to take Africa's concerns seriously.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Goal, Africa, Crusade, Organisation

There is tolerance within our community, Muslims and Christians living together in harmony. These traditional values we have should be enhanced.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Harmony, Living, Christians, Tolerance

As one of the leading troop-contributing countries, Ethiopia attaches great importance to strengthening the role of United Nations peacekeeping to address challenges to international peace and security.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Role, Address, Strengthening, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an island of stability within the Horn of Africa, which is a troubled region.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Africa, Horn, Which, Ethiopia

The water bodies are reducing everywhere in the Rift Valley. It's not because the water has been used. It's because the rivers flowing to the lakes are reducing because of climate change.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Rivers, Been, Bodies, Rift

We are different from many African countries. We represent Africa as the gateway and will do everything to make African and Israeli relations mushroom.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Will, Africa, Countries, Relations

We put people at the centre of securing the country. You can't secure your country with only a security apparatus and missiles.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Country, Apparatus, Centre, Missiles

We need ethical journalism. There is also capacity limitations in journalism.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Ethical, Need, Also, Journalism

We have Israel always in our hearts.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Always, Israel, Our, Hearts

Security starts from home. You have to secure your own people so that those who are coming from outside also will be secured.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Own, Will, Also, Secured

Border security is not only related to resources competition.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Security, Border, Only, Related

We are ready to be criticised by any journalists because we know we are not perfect.

- Hailemariam Desalegn

Ready, Perfect, Know, Not Perfect

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