ENDC Laying Foundation for Establishing Culture of Dialogue: Commissioner

Addis Ababa, December 12, 2025 (ENA) —Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has been laying foundation for establishing a culture of dialogue in the country, National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye told ENA.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Commissioner detailed both tangible and intangible achievements of the commission.

Tangibly, the commission has gathered agendas from all regional states and two city administrations, while also reaching out to the Ethiopian diaspora, he said.

“If I am to describe the tangible ones, we have completed a collection of agendas from 11 regional states of Ethiopia and two city administrations. At the same time, we went abroad to talk to the Ethiopian Diaspora and collected agendas from them.”

Moreover, the commission has elected representatives of the diaspora that are going to take part in the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference, scheduled to be conducted this Ethiopian year,

In terms of intangible achievements, the Commissioner pointed out the increase in public trust and feelings of peace among the populace.

 

 

He further pointed out that the evolving perceptions of peace were analyzed in relation to the Global Peace Index, showcasing positive shifts over time.

The commissioner also highlighted significant outreach efforts with political parties.

The commission, initially collaborating with only two parties, has expanded its partnerships to over 55 political entities, reflecting a growing engagement with the international community that has shown interest in the progress being made.

Addressing inclusivity, Yonas said the commission had engaged over 120,000 participants from various communities, including dissenting voices that challenge the current government's ideology.

Most importantly, ideas which contradict the current government's ideology or outlook of the way of governing have been included; and these are ascertained by the very people who are taking part in it.

International participants and observers have praised this inclusivity, which also extends to Ethiopians residing abroad, he stressed.

 

 

Despite the advancements, Yonas acknowledged several challenges. He identified difficulties related to entrenched political beliefs that hinder constructive dialogue, the negative influence of social media, and on-the-ground conflicts that have occasionally disrupted outreach efforts.

Yet, he emphasized that the commission has overcome the obstacles through collaboration with the media, religious leaders, civil society, and political parties.

Recall that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission operates under three primary pillars: fostering national consensus, building trust between the state and society, and cultivating a peaceful dialogue culture.

Yonas finally said that he envisions the shift away from violent conflicts toward discussions held in peaceful settings, aiming to promote unity and collaboration among Ethiopians.

Moreover, the Commissioner underscored that the ongoing efforts of Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission have laid a foundation and showed a positive trajectory towards establishing a culture of peaceful dialogue and reconciliation in Ethiopia.