The Washington, D.C. Metro Area is the nation's capital and home to Local No. 5

Dr. Malaku Bayen, the emissary sent by Emperor Haile Selassie I, received his medical doctorate at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He also started the Ethiopian Research Council there in 1934. Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States of America, the location of the seat of government (the Congress, Senate and White House) and home to many embassies and international organizations. 

Ethiopian Research Council

The Ethiopian Research Council (ERC) was founded in 1934 in Washington, D.C. by a group of Ethiopian and American professionals and scholars. The Council is the brainchild of Dr. Melaku Bayen, a surgeon, one of the twelve founding members & the guiding light of ERC strategies until his death; he was the first Ethiopian to graduate with an Medical Doctorate from an institution in the USA. 

The distinguished Professor William Leo Hansbury was elected as the first Director of the Ethiopian Research Council in 1934

Washington, D.C. Office of International Affairs

Overview

The Office of International Affairs is located within the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia and is the District government’s primary liaison with the diplomatic and international community for both substantive and ceremonial matters. Washington, DC hosts one of the largest diplomatic communities in the world as well as many international agencies. This office serves as the primary link to the 186 embassies and two special interest sections located in the District of Columbia.

The Office of International Affairs has numerous responsibilities:

• Working with Ambassadors and their staff to facilitate municipal services and special requests.
• Meeting with foreign officials.
• Sharing best practices and planning sessions for international delegations.
• Arranging educational exchanges for students.
• Attending National Day celebrations and other special events.
• Coordinating projects between citizen groups and the diplomatic/international community.
• Providing venues where information can be shared among the different communities.
• Arranging mayoral visits.
• Advising the Mayor on international issues.
• Working closely with the US Department of State and other internal and government offices on relevant issues.
• Managing Sister City relationships.
• Representing the Mayor at international conferences and events.
• Providing assistance and advice to government officials on international travel and correspondence.

Embassies

The international community’s embassies and residences are located in several Washington, DC neighborhoods. We are pleased that District residents have excellent relations with the embassies in their particular neighborhoods, but occasionally there can be issues between neighbors and embassy staff on construction and other projects being conducted by the District government. The Office of International Affairs is responsible for facilitating communications among the US State Department, the diplomatic/international community, neighbors and other government agencies for the exchange of information, providing assistance, or resolving situations. When residents of the community have projects in areas where embassies are located, we act as the liaison between the community and the embassies.

Special Events

The Office of International Affairs plans and organizes special events for the Mayor and supports international events and activities within the District of Columbia that are sponsored by organizations and agencies. The office assists the international community in understanding the District requirements for permits and other issues relating to the execution of Embassy-sponsored events.

International Delegations

The Office of International Affairs hosts approximately 300 international visiting delegations per year. These requests usually come from the State Department International Visitor Program, an international organization, the embassy, or an overseas government. The office coordinates with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to provide informative sessions and best practices for delegates. (Full Website CLICK HERE)