Ethiopian-born Cherinet Hariffo has been appointed as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) first permanent observer to the United Nations, making him the youngest to hold the position at just 23.
After presenting his credentials to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on March 7, Hariffo reflected on his journey from being a refugee to representing IGAD on the global stage.
“This is not what I could have imagined seven years ago as a displaced child, but here we are,” he said.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu praised Hariffo’s appointment, highlighting his commitment to regional cooperation and multilateralism.
The new role is expected to strengthen IGAD’s engagement with the UN, advancing collaboration on peace, security, resilience, and regional integration.
