Addis Ababa, December 8, 2025 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Government Communication Service (GCS) has underscored the pivotal role of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day in renewing the country’s constitutional commitments and realizing the full potential of its rich diversity.
In a statement issued on the eve of the 20th annual celebration, GCS highlighted Ethiopia as an ancient and remarkable nation whose diversity spans language, culture, ethnicity, religion, political views, age, and gender. The statement emphasized that the country’s constitutional framework not only recognizes this diversity but also transforms it into a source of national strength.
Through the Constitution, described as a shared covenant, Ethiopians have voluntarily committed to building a common political and economic community. While Ethiopia’s history of governance stretches back millennia, the statement noted, its modern constitutional practice is relatively young, having existed for less than a century. Consequently, the development of democratic systems has historically lagged behind public aspirations.
In recent years, however, the government has made significant strides in laying the foundations of constitutional governance. According to GCS, notable progress has been achieved in ensuring that human and democratic rights are respected, that transparency and accountability are strengthened, that independent and robust national institutions are established, and that citizens’ demands for development and good governance are addressed.
The statement emphasized that strong democratic institutions now help guarantee constitutional rights, while an independent justice system promotes accountability and transparency. Alongside these developments, Ethiopia has cultivated an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion.
The annual celebration, held on December 8 or 9, provides an opportunity for Ethiopians to express their cultural heritage, traditions, identity, and aspirations, strengthening mutual understanding and fostering national unity. This year’s event, GCS noted, fully showcased the country’s diversity and also served to mobilize public support for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), demonstrating that Ethiopia’s diversity is a source of strength and marking a historic achievement for the nation.
GCS highlighted that Ethiopia’s system embraces diversity as both a source of beauty and a strategic asset. Since the reform era, the country’s trajectory has been defined by renewed optimism and a focus on prosperity. The statement acknowledged that throughout history, differences among Ethiopians have often been exploited as points of division, both internally and through external interference, and that such challenges have at times slowed progress.
In recent years, however, the Ethiopian people have increasingly recognized that the nation’s hope and prosperity depend on unity enriched by diversity, and that diversity is strengthened through shared commitment to national cohesion. Democratic consensus and constitutionalism remain central guiding principles, and it is within this framework that Ethiopians celebrate the 20th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day.