Address
Brass next to White House Hotel, Addis Ababa
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Every year, Ethiopia’s capital becomes the stage for a transformative gathering of young leaders, the Leadership Conference and Competition (LCC), a flagship program of the Safe Light Initiative.http://safelighet,com
In 2025, the conference marked its fifth anniversary in grand style, cementing its status as the largest Model United Nations (MUN) in Ethiopia and a powerhouse for youth leadership development.
But what makes LCC 2025 extraordinary goes beyond size or prestige it’s about impact, empowerment, and a new generation ready to lead.
A Platform Where Women Lead the Way
Over its five-year journey, 85% of LCC participants have been young women — an unprecedented figure in the MUN world. This achievement caught the attention of global and national champions for gender equality.
For LCC 2025, UN Women, Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD), and Abyssinia Bank joined forces as major sponsors.
“LCC is proof that when women lead, communities thrive,” says the Safe Light Initiative team.
Tech-Driven Empowerment for Women at LCC Ethiopia
Before the conference even began, UN Women and Safe Light Initiative partnered to deliver life-changing training programs to 150 young women across Ethiopia. These programs were designed not only to upskill but to empower women to lead in the digital age.
The training covered:
- Tech Leadership – guiding women to lead innovation and manage impactful projects.
- Mesirat Training – nurturing entrepreneurial thinking for business growth.
- Digital Marketing – building digital presence for influence and opportunity.
The results? Women entered LCC 2025 more prepared, more confident, and more ambitious than ever.
Three Days of Intense Diplomacy at Ethiopia’s Largest MUN
LCC 2025 unfolded over three powerful days of MUN simulations, where delegates represented nations, negotiated policies, and debated global challenges with passion and skill.
The competitiveness was matched only by the collaboration, as delegates showcased their knowledge, diplomacy, and leadership potential.
On the third day, winners were recognized at the LCC Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence in research, debate, and negotiation.
A Diplomatic Evening to Remember
The evening gathered an impressive circle of high‑profile guests, including H.E. Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs; Roterian Azeb Asnake, a respected humanitarian leader; and the Ambassador of Malta to Ethiopia, alongside other distinguished diplomats and influencers.
In her keynote address, H.E. Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye spoke passionately about LCC’s transformative role in shaping Ethiopia’s next generation of leaders. She reaffirmed her unwavering support, noting that for the past four years she has stood alongside the program and pledging to continue championing it as a critical platform for empowering youth and advancing gender equality in Ethiopia.
Celebrating 5 Years of LCC Ethiopia’s Youth Leadership Impact
To mark the milestone, LCC unveiled its Impact Book a curated record of its achievements, stories, and the voices of young leaders whose lives have been transformed through the program.
Delegates celebrated with music from Pink Ocean, photo booth moments, and conversations that sparked new friendships, networks, and future collaborations.
Why the Leadership Conference and Competition Matters for Ethiopia’s Future
The Leadership Conference and Competition isn’t just an event it’s a movement.
It empowers young people to:
- Develop critical thinking and negotiation skills.
- Build international networks.
- Gain confidence to lead change in their communities.
It’s a launchpad for future diplomats, policymakers, and change-makers and the impact is already visible in Ethiopia’s youth leadership landscape.
Be Part of the Change & Support Youth Leadership in Ethiopia
Whether you’re a student, policymaker, or organization, you can be part of LCC’s journey.
- Learn more about Safe Light Initiative’s programs
- Explore UN Women’s work in Ethiopia
- Learn more about YNSD
- Support youth leadership development by partnering with LCC