Cherinet Hariffo’s journey from a refugee selling boiled eggs on the streets of Nairobi to a senior diplomatic role at the United Nations is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education.
Originally from Ethiopia, Hariffo’s early life was marked by displacement and hardship. Seven years ago, he was living under a bridge near Lions Place in Nairobi alongside other refugees, struggling to make ends meet. To survive, he sold boiled eggs on the streets, never losing sight of his dream of making a global impact.
His perseverance led him to significant roles in international diplomacy. Before his current appointment as IGAD’s Permanent Observer to the UN, Hariffo served as an Advisor to the Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in shaping policies on refugee protection, children’s rights, and education.
Beyond his work with IGAD and Djibouti’s UN Mission, Hariffo has held leadership positions in various organizations. As Representative and Head of Partnerships at the Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC), he fostered collaborations to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education, climate action, and youth empowerment. Additionally, as Youth Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development, he advocated for greater youth inclusion in global policymaking.
Hariffo’s academic credentials further underscore his commitment to governance and social change. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels School of Government, where he specialized in policy solutions for marginalized and displaced communities. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a Minor in Legal Studies from Temple University.
In his new role at the UN, Hariffo is set to enhance IGAD’s engagement within the UN system, strengthen diplomatic relations, and mobilize resources to tackle critical regional challenges, including displacement, education, and development. His inspiring journey from adversity to influence serves as a beacon of hope for displaced persons striving for a better future.
