Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has formed an expert advisory panel to provide technical guidance and professional briefings for participants of the upcoming National Dialogue Conference.
Speaking during the panel session held today, ENDC Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said the experts will help foster a shared, knowledge-based understanding throughout the conference.
He noted that the National Dialogue Conference will deliberate on eight agenda items, with expert groups assigned to each topic to support participants in developing a common understanding of the issues under discussion.
Professor Mesfin said the experts are expected to deliver presentations and guidance that will help ensure the conference is driven by reasoned deliberation rather than emotion. He also called on them to effectively apply their expertise to contribute to the success of the national dialogue process.
ENDC Deputy Chief Commissioner Hirut Gebreselassie said the agenda items for the National Dialogue Conference have already been identified and made public.
She stressed the importance of strengthening participants’ foundational understanding of the issues, noting that the expert advisory panel is intended to serve as a professional advisory body rather than a decision-making organ.
According to the Deputy Chief Commissioner, the experts will present technical briefings and explain complex issues in a manner that enables participants to clearly understand the matters under discussion.
The panel will also support participants by providing technical advice, simplifying complex concepts, presenting policy options, evaluating proposals, and assisting consultative groups.
In addition, the experts will share lessons and experiences from other countries and contribute to the formulation of the conference’s final recommendations.
The expert advisory panel comprises scholars drawn from a wide range of professional fields.