Virtual Seminar on "Empowering Staff for Global Impact
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Bule Hora University successfully hosted a virtual seminar titled "Empowering Staff for Global Impact." Organized by the Research International Relations and Partnership Directorate, the event opened with remarks from Directorate Director Assistant. Prof. Anteneh Fikrie and Academic Affairs Program Director Dr. Mekuria Guye. Both Directors emphasized the university's strategic commitment to building international bridges and aligning academic programs with global benchmarks.
The event featured a high-level keynote address from Dr. Eba Mijena, CEO of Academic Affairs at the Ministry of Education. Dr. Eba highlighted the ministry’s vision for the internationalization of Ethiopian higher education, noting that such initiatives are vital for national development and academic competitiveness.
The core presentation was delivered by Dr. Delessa Bulcha, Associate Fellow at York University, Senior Advisor for CAFOR, and Founding President of Dambi Dollo University, who provided a powerful and practical roadmap for creating sustainable partnerships. Dr. Delessa emphasized that internationalization is a "win" at every level of professional development, fostering an impact that extends far beyond the campus to serve Ethiopia. During his session, he outlined five global trends essential for every academic: virtual internationalization, South-to-South cooperation, industry-academia links, the open science movement, and SDG-driven partnerships. Dr. Delessa further provided a step-by-step guide on starting an international journey.
In conclusion, the seminar was described as a magnificent experience that fundamentally shifted professional perceptions. Attendees expressed immense satisfaction, noting that the "eye-opening" discussion transformed their approach to global engagement, equipping them with the confidence to bridge the gap between local research and international impact. This successful event marks a milestone in BHU’s commitment to serving Ethiopia through global excellence.