Positive Changes in Countries Part 21 - Peaceful Governments, Peaceful Citizens: Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland

Located in a region known as the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia existed as a civilization millions of years ago, based on archaeological finds. Ethiopia achieved a wonderful stabilizing change when His Excellency, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed forged a peace accord with neighboring country Eritrea in 2018. The following year, His Excellency’s efforts were recognized as he became not only a Nobel Peace Prize laureate but also a Shining World Leadership Award for Peace laureate. The government of Ethiopia was also awarded a Shining World Leadership Award for Earth Protection for launching the first waste-to-energy plant in Africa. One organization that has also been working to improve the lives of both Ethiopian people and animals is the International Fund for Africa (IFA). Cofounded by Ethiopian Seble Nebiyeloul and Dr. Anteneh Roba of the USA, this organization offers nutritious plant-based solutions for communities in need. Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Gratefully present Dr. Anteneh Roba and Seble Nebiyeloul, the Shining World Compassion Award, with a humble, loving gift of US$10,000 towards your noble organization, the International Fund for Africa.” The Republic of Fiji is a beautiful archipelago country of over 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. In 2014, the Fijian government introduced a program giving free access to elementary and secondary education for all. Initiatives were also launched to help prepare students for professions that support the island nation’s sustainable economic growth. In addition, female students have been encouraged to enroll in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classes for their equal opportunity in pursuing 21st century careers. Finland can be found in Northern Europe, next to the Baltic Sea. Thanks to the government’s support of environmental conservation, Finland ranks highly on the international list of clean, green countries. With government efforts toward sustainable forestry, over 70% of Finland’s land area is now tree covered. To further expand renewable energy development such as wind power, the Finnish Parliament has approved the phasing out of coal-fired power by the year 2029.