Cherinet Alem Hariffo has become the youngest Permanent Observer of the IGAD at the United Nations at the age of 24.

Cherinet Alem Hariffo, originally from Ethiopia, has become the youngest Permanent Observer of the Intergovernmental Authority of Development (IGAD) at the United Nations at the age of 24.
He shared his journey from being a displaced child and living as a refugee in Nairobi to achieving this prestigious role.
Hariffo previously engaged in selling boiled eggs (mayai pasua) in Nairobi to support himself after being displaced.
He is a fluent speaker of 11 languages and has specialized in education, migration policy, and youth empowerment as a policy advisor and advocate.
In his UN role, he aims to enhance IGAD's engagement, strengthen diplomatic relations, and mobilize resources to address regional challenges like displacement and education.
Prior to his current role, he served as an advisor at the Permanent Mission of Djibouti to the UN, focusing on refugee protection and children's rights.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from Temple University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Pennsylvania's Fels School of Government.

Geopolitics Ethiopia