Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is progressing through a structured consultation process, with 4,000 participants engaging in discussions aimed at shaping shared perspectives and addressing key national issues, Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya said.
Briefing the media today, the Chief Commissioner said the conference is advancing as planned, with delegates organized into working groups to generate, discuss, and consolidate ideas.
Since the conference began on July 15, 2026, participants have been engaged in a phased consultation process, initially working in groups of 50 and smaller units of 10 to facilitate idea generation and synthesis.
Mesfin explained that the 10-member groups have helped foster stronger connections among participants, enabling them to become familiar with one another and hold detailed discussions on their respective agendas.
He noted that experts and scholars have also been providing delegates with comprehensive briefings and contextual presentations on major thematic areas.
Experts with extensive knowledge and experience in nation-building, history, federalism, and identity have delivered keynote presentations to support the discussions and respond to questions raised by participants.
The Chief Commissioner said the next phase of deliberations will begin tomorrow, with reports compiled by the 10-member groups presented to their respective 50-member groups for further consideration.
He highlighted that organizing a national conference involving 4,000 delegates requires extensive logistical preparation and commended health, security, and transportation institutions for their coordinated support throughout the process.
Previous conference sessions were organized under eight major divisions, each comprising 500 delegates.
Mesfin further explained that the 50-member groups will submit their consolidated discussions as the process moves into the next stage, which will involve 50 groups of 250 participants each.
Next week, all 4,000 participants will continue the dialogue process across 16 designated venues.