Young Lives Ethiopia has launched initial findings from its sixth round of qualitative longitudinal research (Qual 6).

This high level event in Addis Ababa brought together over 130 policymakers, researchers and practitioners for a rich discussion on evidence-based, cross-sectoral responses with young people’s voices at the centre. The Young Lives team were honoured to welcome, alongside Young Lives Ethiopia Country Director Dr Alula Pankhurst, keynote speakers, Olivia Leslie, Irish Ambassador to Ethiopia and Amanda McLoughlin OBE, Development Director, Ethiopia, FCDO, with opening remarks from Dr Wassie Lingerh Senior Advisor, FDRE Ministry of Health and Dr Getahun Tolessa, Chief Executive Officer, FDRE Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.

The report Experiences of Young Lives During Crises in Ethiopia, draws on over 20 years of longitudinal research, capturing young people’s lived experiences as they face multiple, overlapping crises – conflict, COVID-19, rising living costs, and climate shocks – and the impacts on their health, well-being, education, work and migration.

Importantly, the event provided an interactive platform for collective discussion of emerging policy recommendations. A forthcoming policy brief will be finalised following the event to ensure that insights from these discussions are fully reflected and that recommendations are aligned with key government priorities.