PM Abiy Says Intellectuals Must Build a Dialogue-Driven Generation to Strengthen National Unity

Addis Ababa, January 5, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), an alumnus of Addis Ababa University, has stressed that Ethiopia’s intellectuals must translate knowledge into action, foster a culture of dialogue, and work to create a united, forward-looking generation that can drive the country toward prosperity.

Delivering a guest lecture titled “The Role of Intellectuals in National Prosperity” on the occasion of the university’s 75th anniversary, PM Abiy spoke before academic leaders and senior government officials. The lecture concluded a series of programs and presentations held over the past few weeks to commemorate the milestone.

The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of intellectuals in shaping Ethiopia’s future, explaining that they must generate practical ideas and solutions that can be implemented for the benefit of society. He noted that the government is ready to support intellectuals whose ideas are coherent, tangible, and capable of producing meaningful impact.

He emphasized that intellectuals should go beyond their campuses to engage society, reconcile with themselves, and contribute actively to national progress. Knowledge alone, he explained, is insufficient; translating ideas into action is central to achieving lasting prosperity.

PM Abiy also pointed out the importance of dialogue and debate, noting that Ethiopia historically lacked a culture of discussion. He said intellectuals should foster spaces where ideas can be exchanged, differences reconciled, and consensus built, adding that such a culture is essential for national unity and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister expressed concern that unrestricted access to technology among children has negatively affected conversational and debating skills. He explained that creating green spaces, libraries, parks, and other platforms that encourage dialogue and interpersonal engagement is necessary to develop a generation that values discussion, peace, and the supremacy of ideas.

Highlighting long-term goals, PM Abiy said Ethiopia is working to build a united generation within the next ten years, where all citizens enjoy equal opportunities. He explained that intellectuals are expected to collaborate, generate ideas, and implement solutions that address societal challenges and guide policymaking.

He also stated that intellectuals should uphold the supremacy of ideas, building on the legacy of past Ethiopian scholars who emphasized fairness, societal honor, and respect. Contemporary scholars, he added, must innovate, ask questions, continuously learn, and take responsibility for implementing solutions.

On economic development, the Prime Minister emphasized that Ethiopia’s prosperity depends on a multi-sectoral economy and the active participation of diverse actors. He highlighted that universities and other educational institutions must focus on research, innovation, and solution-oriented outputs, which are critical for equipping intellectuals to actively participate in nation-building.

He noted that debating ideas and respecting the sovereignty of ideas are essential practices, explaining that discussions provide the foundation for policy formulation and that without a culture of dialogue, the country lacks the knowledge resources needed for progress.

PM Abiy concluded by emphasizing that intellectuals must work to translate their knowledge into tangible outcomes, build platforms for discussion, and develop a belief in the supremacy of ideas. He stressed that the current generation is more idea-driven than previous ones, capable of addressing complex challenges and advancing national interests, and that Ethiopia’s future depends on their active participation in building a prosperous, cohesive, and future-ready society.