Honorary degree reflects Korea’s gratitude to Ethiopia, a Korean War ally

Ambassador Dukamo contributes to improving quality of life in Ethiopia through Saemaul Development initiatives

Advancement of Korea–Ethiopia cooperation and broader Korea–Africa friendship

Educational and public diplomacy achievements rooted in the global sharing of Saemaul Studies

[February 23, 2026]

Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Development on Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea, at a ceremony held on February 20 at the Grand Hall of Cheonma Arts Center. The honorary degree recognizes Ambassador Dukamo’s distinguished diplomatic contributions to Ethiopia’s national development and human resource cultivation, as well as his efforts to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation between Korea and Ethiopia.

 During his tenure as Ambassador to Korea, Ambassador Dukamo has played a pivotal role in integrating Korea’s development experience and the Saemaul Development model into Ethiopia’s national development strategies. At both central and regional government levels, he has emphasized the importance of Saemaul Development and leadership training, serving as a key bridge in localizing and expanding Saemaul Studies in Ethiopia.Prior to his diplomatic appointment, Ambassador Dukamo served as Governor of Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and as Minister of Science and Technology. Since 2022, he has served as Ambassador of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea, concurrently accredited to three Southeast Asian countries. For approximately 13 years—beginning during his governorship—he has engaged with Korea’s development experience and shared it with Ethiopia and other developing countries, leading initiatives in human resource development and Saemaul-based policy implementation to promote mutual growth and understanding between the two nations.

 In his acceptance remarks, Ambassador Dukamo stated, “It is a great honor and responsibility to receive an honorary doctorate from Yeungnam University, the cradle of institutionalizing the Saemaul Movement into Saemaul Studies and disseminating it worldwide.” He continued, “Through my training at Yeungnam University, I came to understand that the Saemaul Movement begins with a strong sense of ownership and community participation, which are essential for sustainable development. The Saemaul spirit—rooted in diligence, self-help, and cooperation, and expanded to include sharing, service, and creativity—deeply resonates with Ethiopia’s vision for national development.” He added that the degree symbolizes not only a personal honor but also the future partnership between Ethiopia and Korea, pledging continued efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote sustainable development.

 Yeungnam University has sustained its cooperation with Ethiopia not merely as an exchange partnership, but as an expression of gratitude rooted in historical ties and a commitment to global contribution. Ethiopia was the only African nation to dispatch combat troops during the Korean War, beginning in 1950—prior to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations—standing in defense of the Republic of Korea’s freedom and peace. In the post-war period, Ethiopia continued humanitarian support, including the establishment of orphanages and medical assistance in Korea. In recognition of this historical bond, Yeungnam University has pursued educational cooperation centered on Saemaul Studies. Through the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS, established in 2011), the University has invited 44 young leaders from Ethiopia in fields such as community development, public policy, forestry resources, and water and environmental management, providing full scholarships and living expenses for master’s-level training grounded in Korea’s development experience.In addition, more than 600 civil servants from SNNPR have participated in local training programs, and to date approximately 1,000 Ethiopian participants have engaged in Saemaul Development theory and practice programs facilitated by YU.

 It was through these collaborative efforts that Yeungnam University’s partnership with Ambassador Dukamo began. In 2015, during his tenure as Governor of SNNPR, he personally visited Yeungnam University to participate in Saemaul training after recognizing its potential as a regional development strategy. He subsequently completed training programs alongside senior regional officials and incorporated Saemaul Development principles into local policy.In 2016, with support from KOICA, a large-scale policy training program for SNNPR officials was launched, later recognized as a best practice in KOICA’s global training initiatives.

 Ethiopia is regarded as one of the most proactive African countries in adopting and localizing the Saemaul Movement. Yeungnam University has provided Saemaul training programs for high-ranking officials and leaders from regions such as Amhara and SNNPR, supporting policy capacity building and regional development planning. This is regarded as a case demonstrating that Yeungnam University’s Saemaul Studies are being substantively integrated into local administration and regional development policies. More recently, cooperation has further expanded to include inter-university exchange. Concrete achievements have continued, including academic exchange and cooperation with Addis Ababa University, the operation of training programs at Werabe University, and the establishment of a Department of Saemaul Studies there. In parallel, collaboration in academic exchange and talent cultivation has been gradually systematized. The conferment of this honorary doctorate is viewed as the culmination of accumulated educational collaboration and mutual trust, and is expected to further elevate Korea–Ethiopia friendship and educational diplomacy.

President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “The Republic of Korea has grown from a country that once received assistance from the international community into one that now repays the nations that defended its freedom and shares its development experience with the world.” He continued, “It is important that we express our gratitude in meaningful ways to the Ethiopian youth who sacrificed their lives for Korea even before diplomatic relations were established. Sharing the proven achievements of Saemaul Studies education and cooperation is one such way.” He concluded, “Helping improve people’s lives through the global sharing of Saemaul Studies is a true expression of gratitude and a core value of global contribution. Through this honorary doctorate, we convey our sincere appreciation to the Ethiopian government and people, and we will further expand cooperation across Africa to contribute to shared prosperity for humanity.”