For Ethiopia’s Future, Participants See Consensus as a Legacy Worth Passing On

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (FMC) — Participants in Ethiopia’s ongoing National Dialogue Conference see the process as an opportunity not only to address longstanding national challenges, but also to cultivate consensus and steadfast unity that can be passed on to future generations.

Around 4,000 participants drawn from different parts of Ethiopia and representatives of the Ethiopian diaspora are taking part in intensive deliberations in Addis Ababa on the eight major pillars identified as the central agendas of the National Dialogue.

Participants said the consultations are creating an inclusive space where people from different communities can freely express their views, exchange perspectives and contribute to addressing issues that have long affected the country.

Abbaa Gadaa Lemecha Lema said diverse ideas are being openly raised and developed through the dialogue, giving participants an opportunity to share their views freely.

He described the process as a means of addressing Ethiopia’s deep-rooted challenges step by step, saying it offers an important opportunity to nurture consensus and steadfast unity that can be passed on to the next generation.

Baye Bere said the dialogue is inclusive and brings together different segments of society and a wide range of perspectives.

The ongoing consultations, he noted, are creating space for ideas to be freely raised and examined, contributing to efforts to build a better Ethiopia.

Alemu Ashagre said the process is being conducted in a manner that reflects the interests of different segments of society, ENA reported.

He described the National Dialogue as an emerging culture of resolving problems through consultation, saying it can contribute to building a better Ethiopia not only for the present generation but also for those to come.

The participants emphasized that the value of the National Dialogue extends beyond the immediate deliberations, pointing to the possibility of establishing consultation and consensus as a more enduring means of addressing national differences and shaping Ethiopia’s future.