Training that Marks "Turning Point" in Nat'l Dialogue Opens

Addis Ababa, June 18, 2026 (ENA) — A seven-day training and orientation for national dialogue facilitators, described by the National Dialogue Chief Commissioner, Professor Mesfin Araya, as ''a turning point'' opened today. 

The Chief Commissioner stressed that the day "marks another important step, a milestone in our collective journey of dialogue, and the adoption of necessary skills to dialogue rather than confrontation, for inclusion rather than exclusion.”

He told the facilitators that they are expected to be responsible custodians of this great national duty.

"You will be history-makers who, together, build the country’s social, civic, and democratic opportunities,” the Chief Commissioner said.

According to him, the training will provide the knowledge, skills and values necessary to uphold the dignity of every Ethiopian and to lead discussions that advance shared commitments to peace, justice, and unity.

For his part, United Nations Development Program Ethiopia representative, Samuel Gbaydee Doe, highlighted the scale and stakes of the upcoming national convention that will bring together 4,000 delegates next month.

''The responsibility before us is immense, and the opportunity is historic,” he said, noting that the trainees "are not merely logistics crew, but guardians of the process. You must listen deeply, remain impartial, elevate quiet voices, manage difficult tensions, and create an environment in which dignity is protected, and truth can be spoken.”

The UNDP Country representative praised the extensive consultations that laid the groundwork for the national dialogue and called the captured voices and aspirations the foundations of the Commission’s work.

Sweden’s Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Hedvig Lohm, commended the Commission’s nationwide listening effort and underlined international backing for the process.

Today’s training is the culmination of an ambitious journey mandated by the Ethiopian government and undertaken by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission,” she added.

“What comes next will rely heavily upon you, the facilitators. Sweden has been privileged to support this process financially, diplomatically, and technically.”

The Commission said experts from international peace and conflict organisations in Sweden and the Netherlands will join the sessions to further strengthen facilitation capacity ahead of the convention.