Debark University Successfully Concludes First Annual International Research Conference

Debark University successfully concluded its First Annual International Research Conference on June 23, 2026. Held from June 22–23 under the theme “Sustainable Scientific Research and Community Development,” the landmark event brought together international scholars, local stakeholders, researchers, and academic leaders to explore solutions for local resilience, sustainable growth, and regional transformation.

The conference officially opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Gashaw Gismu, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research, Technology Transfer, and Community Service (Delegated), who highlighted the importance of collaborative research in addressing societal challenges. This was followed by an opening speech from Dr. Asmamaw Zegeye, President of Debark University, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serving as a center of knowledge generation, innovation, and community engagement.

A major highlight of the conference was the keynote presentations delivered by Professor Jaume Guia of the University of Girona, Spain, and Deepti Kataria, an engineer, educator, and sustainability advocate. Professor Guia discussed regenerative recovery in the Simien Mountains and emphasized the need to strengthen the links between tourism, environmental conservation, and community livelihoods. Deepti Kataria shared insights on Africa’s development potential, highlighting the role of smart agriculture, technology-driven tourism, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting sustainable development.

According to Dr. Derejaw Gardew, Director of Research, Publications, and Ethics, the conference featured 38 research paper presentations by 10 international researchers and 28 scholars from various Ethiopian universities. The papers addressed a wide range of topics, including sustainable development, environmental conservation, innovation, community engagement, and regional transformation.

The conference concluded with a certificate award ceremony recognizing presenters and participants for their valuable contributions. Delivering the closing remarks, Dr. Serawit Handiso, Executive Director for Community Engagement and Research at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, commended Debark University for successfully organizing the conference and emphasized the importance of academic platforms in bridging scientific research with practical community development.

The successful completion of the conference marks a significant milestone in Debark University’s efforts to strengthen research culture, promote international academic collaboration, and contribute to sustainable community development through knowledge and innovation.

June 24, 2026

Office of Public and International Relations