The 2020 Conference held last week in Addis Ababa had a very special guest – the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the honorable Hailemariam Dessalegn. He delivered an inspiring speech that cited, among other things, ESSP’s contributions to improving Ethiopia’s resilience to shocks and food insecurity. It was in his inaugural address that credit to IFPRI researchers was recognized, noting that their efforts were “helpful” in designing systems that strengthened capacity in agricultural research and extension in order to meet people’s needs for both food and income. In addition, the Prime Minister pointed out that IFPRI’s researchers were “continuously improving” the lives of communities, in particular through the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). IFPRI’s Support Strategy Program continues to be perceptive in delivering appropriate research that can transform policies for progressive development of Ethiopia.