The saying “every tough beginning has a sweet ending” rings true to Cherinet Alem Hariffo, a former refugee in Kenya.
Hariffo made history by becoming the youngest Permanent Observer of the Intergovernmental Authority of Development (IGAD) secretariat at the United Nations.
Speaking on March 7, 2025, the 24-year-old shared a glimpse of his tough beginnings including being displaced as a child and hawking in Nairobi to earn a living.
“As I present my credentials as the first ever and the youngest Permanent Observer of IGAD Secretariat at the United Nations, I am reminded of the journey that brought me here,” he stated.
“From being displaced as a child to standing among senior diplomats, this is not what I could have imagined seven years ago as a refugee. But here we are,” Hariffo added.
Originally from Ethiopia, Hariffo lived in Nairobi as a refugee and engaged in the sale of boiled eggs business, locally known as mayai pasua to earn a living.
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He recalled staying with other refugees under the bridge next to Lions Place, Nairobi, seven years ago before the expressway was built.
Today, the once a refugee who speaks 11 languages fluently is a policy advisor and advocate specialising in education, migration policy, and youth empowerment.
In his new role at the UN, he will work to enhance IGAD’s engagement within the UN system, strengthen diplomatic relations and mobilise resources to address key regional challenges, including displacement, education, and development.
Prior to assuming IGAD’s role, he served as Advisor to the Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations, where he played a key role in refugee protection, children’s rights, and education policy.
Hariffo also held leadership positions in various other organizations including the Institute for Conscious Global Change (ICGC), and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from Temple University, where his academic excellence was recognized with the “Excellent Research Paper for the Year 2024” award by the Political Science Department.
Currently, Cherinet is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels School of Government, focusing on policy solutions for marginalized and displaced communities.
