Ambassador Dr. Ron Adam has had a distinguished career shaping involvement in global development and humanitarian aid, with a particular focus on Africa. As Israel’s first ambassador to Rwanda and a key player in advocating for Israel’s engagement with the United Nations, he has seen firsthand the impact of diplomatic investment and development partnerships.

Below, Ambassador Adam, who joined the OLAM network as an individual member this year, reflects on his own work in Rwanda, as well as the importance of Israel's relationships with African nations, the evolution of Israel’s contributions to the global humanitarian landscape, and the long-term value of fostering partnerships beyond politics.

Q: Why should Israel invest in international initiatives like MASHAV or UN programs, given the traditional Jewish value of prioritizing local needs?

Amb. Adam: While the Talmudic concept of “the poor of your city come first” tells us to prioritize our own, it does not exclude the responsibility of helping others, beyond our borders. In fact, it says “first” – proving that you must give first to your own, but must still help others. As individuals, Israelis do exactly that: There are thousands of nonprofits in Israel whose goal is tikkun olam (repairing the world), and in that regard, we actually contribute more than many other countries!

Still, in the year 2000 I felt we were not doing enough with regards to overseas development. As a member of the drafting committee of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), I understood that if we wanted to be seen as more than just a “one-issue country,” and if we want to be part of global conversations, we must increase our contributions to the United Nations. This was important not just for our international standing, but also because we have a responsibility to be part of the global humanitarian efforts.

We increased our contributions from $1m to $5m. Eventually, we were accepted to the UN’s Western European and Other Group (WEOG), we were able to join and head up committees, and I became a member of the UN budget committee – which meant I could be part of the UN Secretariat’s decision-making agenda and put forward resolutions. I was only able to do all of this because Israel was finally a “player” in the international arena.

Q: As Israel’s first ambassador to Rwanda, what challenges and opportunities did you encounter while establishing this new diplomatic relationship?

Amb. Adam: Until I established Israel’s embassy in Rwanda in 2019, our Ethiopian embassy dealt with anything related to Rwanda. But we had already cultivated excellent relationships in Rwanda, and this was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen them further.

Originally, I had an idea to establish an innovation hub in Rwanda, as a starting point for an Israeli innovation hub that would serve all of Africa. But I quickly realized that there were already many innovation hubs; what were needed was investments in Africa’s youth. 70% of Rwanda’s population are under 30 years old, and it became clear that the way to make a true impact was to connect to the country’s youth. This meant empowering the youth by promoting basic skills and abilities, such as self-confidence, public speaking, and innovative thinking.

We worked to promote health and education, before turning our focus toward agriculture and high-tech. I travelled around the country, connecting to youth-led organizations. I adopted a school and donated three computers a year to its best students. It was a small gesture, but since the idea was to promote excellence, it made a significant difference.

The children I met through this venture were so clever, but didn’t seem to have self-confidence. They had to learn the Kinyarwandan concept of “birashoboka:” everything is possible! Eventually, I decided to establish a mentorship hub instead of an innovation hub. We recruited people to give lectures to and run workshops for excelling students. We taught self-confidence through storytelling. We taught public speaking and showed them how to use social media. I invited Rwanda ministers, singers, and other celebrities to take part, to help inspire these kids.

I learned something important through this experience: Israelis have a lot going for them, but we don’t always know how to listen. I talked with people. I learned about the Rwandan genocide, which was ever-present in people’s minds. I learned about agriculture. And once I started learning, I began to change my plans – because only when you truly get to know the people and their experiences can you begin to understand what programs will help them.

Q: How can Israel's expertise in innovation and development be most effectively leveraged to support East African nations facing pressing challenges like climate change, food security, and healthcare?

Amb. Adam: As noted, innovation hubs already exist. What Rwandans need is capital and information, but most of all – mentorship opportunities for their youth. They need long-term partners and the opportunity to learn from others. Israelis in the startup ecosystem can provide valuable guidance, even from afar. I’m working on this through programs that bring delegations of Rwandans to Israel, so that they can meet and learn from people who understand the world of startups.

Q: What, if anything, has shifted since October 7th in terms of relationships between East African countries & Israel? Have you seen expressions of solidarity from colleagues and friends in Africa since the 7th?

Amb. Adam: We certainly saw support from Rwanda after October 7th, with them calling what happened that day a genocide against Israel. That support eroded somewhat as the war went on; when there was a recent resolution against Israel, Rwanda abstained. From my perspective, while we need to pay attention to these votes, I do believe that Israel’s role in the UN should be separated from these resolutions.

Rwandan officials are much more interested in understanding how Israel can benefit them through support and development programs as well as impact investment, rather than in politics. Our relationship with Iran or the Palestinians are less relevant to them. I, too, don’t believe in connecting politics and international cooperation. MASHAV is a path to building bridges to other countries. But it shouldn’t be vice versa – our relationships should not be harmed because of politics.

If we continue supporting Rwanda, they will continue being friendly toward us. I believe this is true of all East African countries. So let’s put politics aside and continue to do good things! That’s what will save us. But ultimately, we need to do this work not only for the vote in the UN, but because we are part of the west, and we have the means to give. We need to continue to do so, and even to do more.

By the way, it should be noted that Rwanda has a “MASHAV of its own.” They share how they went from nothing after the genocide to such a beautiful country that has become a source of inspiration for many other countries in Africa.

Q: So, Israel should continue working with the UN, despite what many would call a clear bias against Israel, or at the very least, a seeming disconnect from reality?

Amb. Adam: There is a difference between the political UN, like the General Assembly or the Security Council and specialized UN agencies & other UN development programs and funds. We don’t even realize how influential the UN is when it comes to the daily world order and our daily lives. The world has literally changed because of specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization or the International Labor Organization. It’s because of them and because of various UN conventions that ingredients are listed on food, people can’t smoke indoors and in public places, we can manage pandemics and distribute vaccines, pesticides are safe, we have child labor laws, and so much more.

The entire world is covered by UN rules, and we have laws in Israel that cover these issues because we implement the ideas expressed in different conventions. Israel cannot work alone on these issues.

Reality is difficult and the UN is not perfect, but the people who work there have heart and care. We should work with them, and with the international NGO community.

‍Q: What have you been doing since you retired as ambassador in May?

Amb. Adam: I am on the board of several organizations, and I’m working in the private sector, with the hope of earning enough money so that I can realize my dream to become a philanthropist and support my mentees in Rwanda and others, who need support and guidance. I am also engaged in peace initiatives.

I especially want to support organizations in Israel and in Rwanda – especially those that work with people with disabilities. In Rwanda, I also want to support youth organizations and help artists. But I only want to work with those who have sustainable plans and work with local partners.

I also want to support the preservation of historical sites.

And finally, I want to be part of OLAM and SID-Israel, and share my experiences with colleagues!

Q: As someone who has spent much of your career focusing on Israel’s role on the global stage, what advice would you give to young people looking to work in international development?

Amb. Adam: Listen, build relationships, connect. Learn the local culture, see what is really needed, connect to grassroots and local movements. Learn everyday something new, and be willing to be flexible and and just.

‍*Photo: All photos belong to Ambassador Dr. Ron Adam