GLI Symbolizes National Consensus Building, Says ENDC Chief Commissioner Prof. Mesfin Araya

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) — The Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is more than an environmental campaign rather it is a symbolic national undertaking that reflects national efforts to build broad national consensus, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), Prof. Mesfin Araya, said.

Speaking during the 2026 nationwide Green Legacy a single day tree planting campaign, Prof. Mesfin said the initiative demonstrates the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in advancing the country's development while strengthening unity among Ethiopians.

The Chief Commissioner, together with participants in the National Dialogue, joined the campaign by planting tree seedlings.

Prof. Mesfin said fostering consensus through dialogue provides a strong foundation for a democratic system.

For the first time in Ethiopia's history, the national dialogue process has created an inclusive platform where all segments of society, including persons with disabilities, women, pastoralists, and farmers, are represented in discussions, he noted.

"The entire process is about fostering dialogue and building consensus," he said, adding that "through dialogue, we are planting the ideas that will grow into national consensus."

The Chief Commissioner also stressed that the dialogue process is nurturing a culture of listening, expressing confidence that it will serve as an important stepping stone toward strengthening democracy in Ethiopia.

He further noted that the dialogue process, like tree planting, carries deep symbolic significance by encouraging people to lay down arms, embrace dialogue, promote peace and development, and strengthen unity in diversity.

Prof. Mesfin also described the occasion as a historic day for Ethiopia, noting that the 4,000 national dialogue deliberators planted seedlings on behalf of the country's more than 130 million citizens.