The Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI) successfully organized a half-day local workshop under the IMPACT Project on Saturday, April 25, 2026, aimed at increasing public awareness on the growing links between climate change and migration. The event brought together more than 40 participants from three high schools in Addis Ababa, including teachers and educators committed to strengthening climate awareness within their communities and classrooms.
The workshop began with participant registration and an opening session, during which Mr. Daniel Fantaye, Program Director at HESPI, introduced participants to HESPI’s mission and the objectives of the IMPACT Project. He highlighted the importance of collaborative learning and public engagement in addressing emerging global challenges such as climate-induced migration.
A key highlight of the workshop was an insightful presentation delivered by Dr. Fredu Nega on the relationship between climate change and migration in the Horn of Africa. The presentation explored the increasing environmental pressures facing the region and how climate change is becoming a major driver of human mobility and displacement. Participants gained a deeper understanding of climate-induced migration and its social, economic, and policy implications.
Following the presentation, participants were introduced to the IMPACT educational toolkit. Mr. Daniel Fantaye guided attendees through the toolkit’s objectives, structure, and practical applications, leading to active discussions and exchanges of ideas among participants.
The workshop’s most engaging component was an interactive case study exercise designed to encourage participatory learning and critical thinking. Participants assumed different societal roles — ranging from mayors and policymakers to students and community members — and worked collaboratively to address climate migration scenarios. Divided into groups, participants analyzed challenges, debated solutions, and explored how different sectors of society respond to climate-related migration issues.
At the conclusion of the exercise, each group presented its approach, decisions, and reflections on the assigned case study. Participants described the workshop as highly informative, practical, and impactful, particularly praising the role-playing and participatory teaching methods used throughout the session.
Many participants noted that while climate change topics are often briefly covered in school subjects such as Geography, the workshop provided a far more engaging and comprehensive learning experience. The interactive methodology significantly enhanced their understanding of climate change and migration, while also equipping them with new approaches to teaching these critical issues in schools.
Participants further emphasized the need for continued awareness-raising initiatives and stronger educational engagement on climate change and migration. As a research institution dedicated to evidence-based policy and public engagement, HESPI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing scientific research, promoting informed dialogue, and strengthening public awareness on climate change and migration across the Horn of Africa.