Annual NNP Celebration Key to National Cohesion and Growth, Upper House Speaker Stresses

Addis Ababa, December 3, 2025 (FMC) — The celebration of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (NNP) Day remains crucial in fostering national unity and supporting sustainable development efforts in Ethiopia, Speaker of the House of Federation (HoF) Agegnehu Teshager said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th Ethiopian NNP Day, held at the regional level in Debre Birhan City on Wednesday, Agegnehu underlined that the annual event has significantly helped strengthen national cohesion and advance development initiatives.

NNP Day is a moment when Ethiopians reaffirm their commitment to live together peacefully, he stated, describing it as a vibrant platform for nations, nationalities, and peoples to freely showcase their diverse cultures, values, and identities.

The Speaker also emphasized the decisive role of the constitutional federal system in uniting the country, reinforcing national identity, and ensuring harmonious coexistence among its varied communities. He added that the celebration further contributes to justice, equality, and democratic development.

Fantu Tesfaye, Speaker of the Amhara Regional Council, noted that the holiday was observed across the region through educational programs, volunteer engagements, and strengthened people-to-people initiatives aimed at nurturing national unity. The celebration, she said, has legal and constitutional foundations and provides communities an opportunity to use their traditions and values to build a shared future.

She also highlighted that this year’s event carried added significance as it coincided with the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the implementation of other major national development projects.

Debre Birhan City Deputy Mayor, Bedlu Woubshet, remarked that solidarity, unity, and mutual support among citizens have continued to grow since the inception of the celebration. He also pointed out the benefits residents have gained from expanding industry and investment in the city, facilitated by constitutional guarantees.

Participant Meset Ketsela said NNP Day has enhanced constitutional awareness and noted the positive impact on women’s participation in political, economic, and social spheres.

Another attendee, Bisrat Tadele, stated that the event enables citizens to learn from each other and collectively build hope for the future. She added that it plays a vital role in preserving and transferring cultural and social values to younger generations.

The national-level celebration of NNP Day is scheduled to take place on December 8, 2025, in Hosanna City.