All members of the school community are in mourning to hear the sad news that Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen (1999 MPP), the regional government President of Amhara State, tragically passed away in coup bid attacks on June 22.

Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen received his master's degree in Public Policy (Economic Policy) from KDI School in 2000. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Kent in 2011, he served in numerous top-level positions, including Minister of Industry, Minister of Construction, and Minister of Urban Development and Housing. Recently, he was appointed as the regional government President this March.

He was invited to Korea in 2016 and was awarded “The Proud Alumus Award”. He took the time out of his busy schedule to share his experiences and wisdom with KDI School students, and contributed to the enhanced cooperation between Ethiopia and Korea through meetings with Korean line ministries.

It is with our deepest sorrow that we lost a distinguished alum, and a dedicated leader who contributed greatly to his nation’s development and economic growth.

Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and friends, and with the people of Ethiopia who have lost a true leader.