ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2025
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 60,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2025 on 7,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 290+ campuses worldwide (less than 5%) were selected to host the 4,500+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT MIDEGA AWEL AHMED, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW AND CAMPUS DIRECTOR FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
Haramaya University | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Advancing SDG 17, SDG 4 & UNAI 2
" I am driven by a deep belief that meaningful change begins with empowering people and building sustainable solutions. The Millennium Fellowship offers a unique space to amplify my impact through collaboration, global learning, and purposeful action. I am excited to connect my passion for medical education and community well-being with a network of change makers, turning ideas into measurable contributions toward the SDGs. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: The Light House Project
This project provides short-term training for health students at Haramaya University, equipping them with skills to conduct reliable community-based research on mental health. Through a strong focus on experiential learning, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience by identifying local mental health issues, assessing barriers to care, and proposing actionable solutions. Collaborations with stakeholders will support meaningful interventions, while trained students will act as peer trainers and join ongoing university research, promoting sustainability and a culture of evidence-based action.
Measurable Goals (Aug–Dec 2025):
1. Train 30+ health students in research skills.
2. Guide participants in conducting community-based mental health studies.
3. Identify barriers to mental health care in Harar and propose interventions.
4. Collaborate with local health institutions to implement interventions.
5. Establish a peer network to expand research training.
6. Connect trained participants with Haramaya University research projects as assistants.
About the Millennium Fellow
Midega Awel is an aspiring medical doctor and passionate advocate for medical education reform, professional exchange, and youth leadership. Born and raised in Ethiopia, Miidhaga is currently pursuing his MD at Haramaya University, where he also serves as President of the Ethiopian Medical Students’ Association – Haramaya and Presidential Assistant at EMSA-Ethiopia. His journey is marked by impactful initiatives in capacity building, mental health advocacy, and community outreach. Miidhaga has successfully led national projects, fostered collaborations, and mentored peers. He envisions a future where equitable healthcare and empowered youth drive sustainable change in society
