• Written by: Ayodeji Joy Animashaun
• December 18, 2025

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 and for the first time in History, The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated (TEWFI) International Executive Council (IEC) had the honor of meeting with His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of The Crown Council of Ethiopia, via Zoom.

This meeting marked an important moment in History. It captured the spirit of unity, vision, and shared commitment to the upliftment of Ethiopia and the global Black community. This gathering also marked a significant moment of alignment, reflection, and forward planning for Ethiopia, the African diaspora, and the global Black community.

The meeting was held in an atmosphere of respect, openness, and shared purpose. Both the IEC and His Imperial Highness emphasized the importance of building stronger bridges between Ethiopia and her worldwide sons and daughters—grounded in truth, unity, and constructive action. Held in a spirit of mutual respect and purpose, the conversation centered on strengthening Ethiopia–diaspora relations, advancing Pan-African cooperation, and building a  sustainable future rooted in peace, organization, development, and collective responsibility.

---

The EWF Presents the “7 R’s Plan”

During the session, the IEC shared its strategic vision, known as the 7 R’s Plan, which outlines the Federation’s priorities for global organizational development and advancement:

1. Recruitment

Expanding worldwide membership and strengthening organizational engagement. 

2. Reclamation

Reclaiming our lost Members and lost Locals. Also reclaiming a unified global Black identity. 

3. Reparations

Championing and advocating for justice, redress, repair, and restitution for historical and ongoing systemic harms. 

4. Repatriation

Supporting pathways for the Diaspora reconnection, cultural return, economics and strategic settlement to The African Continent, starting with our Land Grant Settlement in Shashemene.

5. Restoration

Restoring historical memory, global Black Unity, strengthening global Black consciousness. Rebuilding relationships, strengthening institutions, revitalizing global Unity, and collective trust.

6. Reform

Improving governance, transparency, organizational systems and efficiency internally and in global policy.

7. Relief

Relief from financial Insufficiency by building a treasury. Supporting humanitarian efforts, providing assistance to communities in need, and supporting development initiatives for The Black Peoples Of The World. 

The “7 R’s Plan” was warmly received by His Imperial Highness. HIH Prince Ermias commended the clarity and forward-thinking nature of the Federation’s vision and its alignment with global Pan-African priorities as well as The Crown Council Of Ethiopian’s development goals.

---

HIH Prince Ermias Shares His Vision and Priorities for a Brighter Future

HIH Prince Ermias offered his reflections and priorities for a peaceful and prosperous future for Ethiopia and the Black Peoples Of The World. Speaking with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to long-term peacebuilding. He highlighted several essential pillars:

1. Strong Foundations & Organized Institutions

Progress requires order, coherence, and a trustworthy leadership culture. Strong, well-structured institutions and organized bodies with clear leadership are essential for true progress. Unity requires clarity, order, and shared governance.

2. Peacebuilding & Ending Cycles of Violence

The Prince emphasized the need to break destructive cycles and cultivate a peaceful future. Peace is not passive, it requires intentional action, reconciliation, and the courage to break patterns that harm our people. A stable society cannot be built on recurring conflict.

3. Building From Common Interests

Our work must be grounded in what unites us, not what divides us. True collaboration and Unity begins when shared values and common goals are recognized and embraced.

4. A Realistic Pan-African Vision Rooted in Action 

Pan-Africanism must be rooted in strategy, self-knowledge, collaboration, and uncompromising commitment to stability and upliftment. It requires discipline, cooperation, and structure.

5. A Peaceful, Stable, and Sovereign Ethiopia

The Prince underscored that Ethiopia’s stability benefits and enhances the strength of the entire Diaspora and Black Peoples Of The World. 

7. Collective Responsibility, It Takes All of Us!

Leadership must be collective. Prince Ermias highlighted the necessity of:

HIH Prince Ermias’s  message was clear:

• Vision and crystallized ideals
• Trust and integrity between institutions and organizations
• Grassroots support
• Income generation and global financial support
• Business sector partnerships and collaborations
• Entrepreneurship and and economic development
• Investment in S.T.E.A.M opportunities and initiatives
• Youth empowerment
• Vigilance and a united front against unnecessary falsehoods and deceptive organizations and organizational practices
  

To progress for the future of generations to come it requires unity, discipline, transparency, honesty, trust, stability, deliberate collaboration, and collective action.

---

A Commitment to Collaboration

HIH Prince Ermias as a representative of The Crown Council of Ethiopia and The Royal Ethiopian Trust expressed strong enthusiasm for continued collaboration with The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated, joint efforts toward unity, development, truth, strengthening Ethiopia–Diaspora relations, and the shared work of global Black upliftment.

Both parties look forward to the ongoing collaboration and continuing building this historic partnership. Agreeing to reconvene for the next brainstorming session, followed by regular meetings every three months.

---

A Deep Acknowledgment of Prince Ermias’ Personal Sacrifice

The IEC later learned that, on the same day of our meeting, His Imperial Highness experienced a profound personal loss with the passing of his former wife, Her Imperial Highness Gelilamariam Fesseha Gebre-Selassie .

With this knowledge, the IEC wishes to formally acknowledge what a significant and heartfelt sacrifice it was for Prince Ermias to spend the day with us—offering wisdom, leadership, and encouragement while privately carrying unimaginable grief.

His presence stands as a testament to his commitment to Ethiopia, to the Diaspora, to The Black Peoples Of The World, and to the shared future we are building together.

The IEC holds the deepest respect for the strength and dignity HIH Prince Ermais demonstrated.

---

A Shared Commitment to Moving Forward with Purpose

As The EWF Inc, reflects on both the promise of the historic December 9th meeting and the sorrow of the loss of Princess Gelila Fesseha that followed, we remain steadfast and grounded in our mission to uplift Ethiopia and The Black Peoples Of The World through unity, service, truth, shared purpose, and collective responsibility.

The IEC is committed to continuing its collaboration with The Crown Council of Ethiopia,The Royal Ethiopian Trust, and all partners working toward unity, stability, and Pan-African progress. The path ahead is clear.It takes all of us — working together, grounded in truth and vision — to build the future our people deserve.

We extend our deepest condolences to His Imperial Highness and the Imperial Family, and we continue forward with strengthened resolve to honor our shared commitments and renewed dedication.

Both parties look forward to continued brainstorming sessions and regular meetings every three months. 

One Perfect Love, The Ethiopian World Federation, Incorporated.

#FederationRising #RisingTheFederation #TEWFINC