Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (FMC) — The upcoming National Dialogue Conference will offer a platform to address Ethiopia’s longstanding differences through dialogue and peaceful consultation, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) Professor Mesfin Araya said.
Speaking today at a five-kilometer public race organized by the Commission at Meskel Square under the theme “Ethiopia is Consulting,” Professor Mesfin said preparations have been completed for the national conference, which is scheduled to begin on July 15, 2026, in Addis Ababa.
He said the conference will serve as a forum where issues that have been sources of differences among Ethiopians will be addressed through consultation, with the aim of reaching consensus and identifying lasting solutions.
According to the Chief Commissioner, delegates representing communities from all regions, all woredas, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Ethiopians living abroad have already arrived in the capital to participate in the conference.
He said participants are expected to engage in inclusive and constructive discussions and develop recommendations that address issues that have contributed to differences among Ethiopians.
Professor Mesfin described the conference as a historic opportunity to resolve national challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He also expressed appreciation to security institutions, federal and regional government bodies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the preparations for the conference, which he described as a significant stage in Ethiopia’s national dialogue process.
Participants of the five-kilometer race expressed optimism that the conference would contribute to strengthening national unity and fostering lasting peace.
One participant, Sherefa Ali, said challenges that have persisted in Ethiopia for generations can be addressed through consultation, stressing that there is no problem that cannot be solved through dialogue.
He added that dialogue platforms help build trust between citizens and government while creating opportunities to work together toward common national goals.
Another participant, Gemechisa Waqgari, said the conference represents an important step toward strengthening peace, unity, solidarity, and democratic values.
Participant Tnisae Abebe expressed hope that the conference would generate practical ideas to address the country’s social and economic challenges.
The National Dialogue Conference will deliberate on broad thematic areas identified during nationwide consultations, including nation-building, systems of government and governance, the political and electoral system, the status of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, religion and state relations, institution building, rule of law and human rights, socio-economic issues, corruption and good governance, and peace-building.
The five-kilometer race was attended by Deputy Chairperson of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Standing Committee on Democratic Affairs Azmeraw Andemo, Professor Mesfin Araya, senior government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, and members of the public.