Debre Berhan University 23 October 2025. Debre Berhan University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences and College of Social and Human Sciences jointly held a panel discussion titled Urban October: Promoting Sustainable Urban Development.

The Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Bemnet Abegaz, who delivered the speech at the program, welcomed the Deputy Mayor of Debre Berhan Regio politant City, various university officials, guests, teachers and panelists from various sectors, and thanked them for coming to the panel discussion and awareness forum jointly organized by Debre Berhan University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences and College of Social and Human Sciences, as well as UN Habitat. She also said that Debre Berhan University is working with various partners to carry out key missions and research for the local community, and that the program of the day is one of our demonstrations, so all stakeholders have a great role to play in accelerating sustainable urban development and growth.

In his opening speech, Debre Berhan University Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Special Advisor Kassahun Bekele (Dr.), welcomed everyone and mentioned that Urban October is celebrated around the world and that the current high population migration caused by climate change is a problem that is seen in cities. He continued by saying that there are many experts at the university and that much work is expected. He also said that if there is population congestion, we should conduct many studies and move towards a solution.

UN Habitat Officer Belay File (Dr.), who delivered the keynote address, said that he was happy to be present at Urban October on behalf of the UN Urban Agency, thanking the university and city administration, as well as stakeholders. He also said that focusing on cities as UN Habitat, it is known that there are many industries in cities, which causes pollution& climate change. He said that the panel is prepared to answer the question of how to prevent pollution and maintain climate change in a good way for the next generation.

Five different papers were presented in the panel discussion by  Alemnew Berhanu(Dr.), Gebre Tafere (Dr.),Mr. Abebe Zeluel, Filip Stepanek and Wondimagegn Atilaw(Dr.) consecutively .  And then Discussions were held on the papers presented. On the same day, the Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Gebre Tafere (PhD), and the Head of the Office of the President, Ato Bayu Getahun, presented certificates of appreciation and participation to Habitat Executive Director Belay File (PhD), and the Deputy Mayor of Debre Berhan Regio politant City, Ato Workalemahu Kostire, and the panellists.

The closing speech was delivered by the Head of the Office of the President, Ato Bayu Getahun, who said that he would like to thank Debre Berhan University for organizing this program in collaboration with them. He also said that it is expected of an academic institution to conduct research and discussions on issues that benefit the environment and the country. He concluded the program by saying that as the industry in the city expands, it is everyone's responsibility to increase the awareness of the community to change the environment accordingly.