CTBE - College of Technology and Built Environment, Addis Ababa University

Dear Alumni of College of Technology and Built Environment (CTBE) (formerly AAiT and EiABC),

Have you visited your campus since AAU began its reform in 2023? This is the moment to witness the transformation and reconnect with your university’s new vision and aspirations. We are just weeks away from the final 75th Anniversary celebrations, a historic milestone for which your presence and partnership are vital to success.

Among the programs, AAU Family Day on December 27, 2025, is dedicated to you. To ensure meaningful engagement tailored to your industry, program, and future intentions, please take a moment to complete the registration form. We will then reach out to welcome you and involve you in this celebration and beyond.

https://forms.gle/RHh1AmusAc988pND7

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Fasil Giorghis (Associate Profesor) delivered a distinguished seminar titled "A Future for the Past: Conserving Heritage for Sustainable Development" focusing on the indispensable link between architectural conservation and sustainable development as part of Addis Ababa University 's Diamond Jubilee celebration.

Fasil Giorghis and Experts stressed that heritage is the foundation and expression of society, demanding due attention from all sectors and communities. He highlighted AAU’s pivotal, long-standing role in graduating specialized heritage conservation experts from the School of Built Environment at the College of Technology and Built Environment (CTBE). However, preservation is hampered by significant challenges: primarily, ineffective collaboration between experts and stakeholders and a failure to follow correct preservation processes.

These systemic issues are compounded by limited funding, the pressures of rapid urbanization, and a shortage of specialized expertise in Ethiopia. He argued 'conservation should not be perceived as a hindrance to development or positive sociospatial change, but rather understood as the foundation of it.’

The seminar concluded with a strong call to action. Experts must focus on creating awareness by partnering with policymakers, media, and civic societies. Stakeholders must ensure conservation is research based, provide essential infrastructure, and strategically upgrade the tourism sector to make heritage sites profitable, and sustainable destinations.

Both public and private development implementation agents should avail pathways and platforms for discourse towards a national consensus for heritage. Ultimately, complete and ongoing strategic conservation projects, such as the restoration of Gondar Fasiledes Castle, can be used as catalytic agents, to keep advocating for environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially prudent heritage conservation practice and consensus.

The College of Technology and Built Environment (CTBE) proudly extends its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Asgedom Haile, Vice Executive Dean of the School of Built Environment, for his exemplary coordination and gracious hosting, and to Maheder Gebremedhin Borga for his skillful moderation of this impactful seminar.