There are some of the most urgent challenges facing the world today include the escalating threat of ongoing wars and military conflicts are causing widespread suffering and displacement, while the global water contamination crisis threatens public health and access to safe drinking water. Human rights violations remain a critical concern in many regions, along with major public health issues that strain healthcare systems worldwide. The persistent crisis of global poverty affects millions, limiting opportunities and access to basic needs. Additionally, many children around the world still lack adequate access to healthcare, education, and safety, putting their futures at risk.
One of challages are faced by people of Northern Ethiopia, Called “Tigray War”. The Tigray War, spanning from November 2020 to November 2022, was a civil conflict in northern Ethiopia between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government, supported by Eritrean forces. The war originated from political disputes, particularly the TPLF’s historical dominance and the centralizing reforms introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Major Consequence: Displacement (Millions fled, with many crossing into Sudan), Humanitarian Crisis (Food shortages and collapsed healthcare systems affected millions), Loss of Life & Infrastructure (Thousands died; schools, hospitals, and infrastructure were destroyed), Economic Damage (Livelihoods and local economies suffered heavily) and Ongoing Instability (Despite a 2022 peace deal, violence and humanitarian needs continue)
Regional Effects: Tigray (Severely damaged, with federal control over the capital), Afar & Amhara (Also affected by violence and displacement), Education Disrupted (Many schools were destroyed or repurposed as shelters) and Food Insecurity (Millions remain dependent on aid)
Current Challenges: Critical Humanitarian Needs persist, Recovery Efforts are ongoing but slow and Renewed Violence continues in Amhara between federal forces and Fano militias.
UNOPS: UNOPS, short for the United Nations Office for Project Services, acts as the hands-on arm of the UN, turning big ideas into real-world impact. Whether it’s rebuilding communities after conflict, delivering humanitarian aid, or driving sustainable development, UNOPS steps in to manage projects, build infrastructure, and handle procurement — making sure progress isn’t just planned, but delivered.
UNOPS’s special project for Northern Ethiopia’s Child Education:
In the conflict-affected regions of Northern Ethiopia, where education systems have been severely disrupted, UNOPS is making a meaningful difference. Teaming up with the Ethiopian government and global partners like the World Bank, UNOPS is on a mission to not only rebuild what was lost but to create a stronger foundation for the future of education.
Here’s how UNOPS is changing lives on the ground:
Bringing Schools Back to Life: In the war-torn Tigray region, 42 schools have been brought back to functional condition, reopening doors to education for thousands of children.
Building for the Future: With support from partners such as the Italian government, UNOPS is constructing new, modern school buildings—offering safer, less crowded, and more resilient spaces for learning.
Uplifting the Vulnerable: Special focus is given to women and internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensuring that the most affected groups are not left behind.
Powerful Partnerships: Collaborations with the Ethiopian Ministries of Finance and Health, along with strong financial backing from the World Bank, have made these efforts possible.
Reaching Thousands: The results speak for themselves, over 367,000 people have already benefited from these projects, including nearly 190,000 women and close to 39,000 IDPs.
UNOPS’s work in Northern Ethiopia stands as a powerful example of practical, high-impact development—delivering hope, rebuilding futures, and restoring the fundamental right to education.
Not only that, UNOPS has taken another initiatives to solve other problems of Northern Ethiopia. But It’s really a great initiative to secure their education system. Because it’s only the proper education, which can change a country’s situation and fate.
