Diaspora Engagement Strengthens Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Process, EDS Says

Addis Ababa, January 30, 2026 (ENA) - The Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS) says Ethiopians living abroad are playing a decisive role in advancing the country’s National Dialogue through active participation in agenda setting and consultation forums.

EDS noted that Ethiopians overseas and citizens of Ethiopian origin have made meaningful contributions by engaging in discussions on national issues and submitting proposals that reflect shared concerns and aspirations.

The National Dialogue process is currently underway across regions and city administrations, as well as among Ethiopians living abroad, as part of preparations for the main national consultation conference.

Agenda setting and participatory forums involving the diaspora have been successfully conducted in South Africa, North America, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

During these forums, participants deliberated on key national issues, forwarded their agendas to the National Dialogue Commission, and elected representatives to the next phase of the process.

Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Director General of the Ethiopian Diaspora Service, told ENA that Ethiopians living abroad have been actively contributing to national development and playing a constructive role in the consultation process.

He said the forums helped identify priority agendas and select representatives who will take part in the main national consultation conference, adding that the outcomes of the discussions have been formally submitted to the commission.

Deputy Chairperson of the Ethiopian Community in Birmingham, United Kingdom, Helen Befekadu, said the national consultation comes at a historic moment and provides Ethiopians with a vital opportunity to shape the future of their country.

“The national dialogue is a crucial opportunity at a historic moment,” she said, noting that many countries have resolved political differences through inclusive consultations and gone on to build strong states that accelerated development.

She emphasized the importance of strengthening national consensus through dialogue, stressing that unity within diversity is essential for building a sustainable state.

According to her, the agenda setting and participatory forum held in the United Kingdom generated valuable ideas that can contribute positively to Ethiopia’s future.

Ethiopians in the UK actively submitted proposals aimed at strengthening state building efforts and resolving differences through peaceful dialogue.

“The national consultation is an important opportunity for Ethiopians to resolve their differences through a civilized consultation forum and repeat the Second Victory of Adwa,” she underscored.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has now entered the agenda setting and resource gathering phase, paving the way for the main national consultation conference through continued engagement with stakeholders in regions and city administrations.