CSOs Leaders Hail National Dialogue as Milestone for Nation Building

Addis Ababa, July 27, 2026 (ENA) —Leaders of various Civil Society Organizations participating in the ongoing National Dialogue have hailed the process as a major milestone in advancing nation building, strengthening mutual understanding, and promoting inclusive solutions to the country's longstanding challenges.

The consultations, organized by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), have brought together about 4,000 participants at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa to deliberate on eight national agenda items identified through consultations with Ethiopians at home and abroad.

Speaking to ENA, Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council President Ahmed Hussein said the dialogue has created an important platform where participants can openly exchange views while listening to one another in a spirit of mutual respect.

"While expressing individual views on national issues has long been a trend in Ethiopia, this consultation creates a shared platform where citizens can articulate their interests while actively listening to others," Hussein said.

He noted that the process is helping cultivate a culture of constructive dialogue that can strengthen public trust, reinforce state institutions, and promote consensus on national priorities.

Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) Executive Director Mesud Gebeyehu described the dialogue as a significant achievement in addressing Ethiopia's deep-rooted national challenges through peaceful engagement.

Gebeyehu said CEHRO deployed more than ten observers to monitor the consultations, where participants from diverse backgrounds actively exchanged ideas and perspectives.

He also praised the commission for providing interpretation services that enabled delegates to participate in their native languages, enhancing accessibility and ensuring inclusive participation throughout the discussions.

Ethiopian Youth Federation Executive Director Yosef Abera also expressed confidence in the dialogue's long term contribution to the country's future.

He said the consultations are generating constructive ideas that can help shape Ethiopia's development and provide a solid foundation for the country's next chapter.