Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is renowned for his perceptive views on security and governance. One of his well-known quotes highlights how crucial it is to establish a safe environment within one's own community before attempting to protect those who are visiting from outside.

Desalegn's concept is comparable to constructing a solid home with a solid base. Communities must have strong internal security measures to keep their members safe before they can provide that protection to outsiders, just as a house needs sturdy walls, a sturdy roof, and secure doors and windows to protect its occupants from outside threats.

The idea that safety starts at the most fundamental level—in one's immediate surroundings—is highlighted by this concept. People in a community are more inclined to work together to preserve stability when they feel safe and supported by social structures and local government. This feeling of safety fosters an atmosphere where everyone feels safe by converting into trust between neighbors and guests.

Desalegn's viewpoint emphasizes how safety is intertwined at the individual and collective levels. It implies that, similar to making sure a house is secure before hosting guests, leaders should put more emphasis on bolstering internal systems before worrying about external threats. In addition to helping members of the community, this strategy serves as a model for others to follow.

Desalegn's message essentially promotes a bottom-up approach to security, in which every person and community contributes significantly to creating a safer world by beginning with their own homes and immediate surroundings.