Nat'l Dialogue Conference Will Strengthen Unity: Addis Ababa Residents

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Residents of Addis Ababa have expressed their hopes that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference will build a consensus that strengthens unity and accelerates economic growth.

Ethiopia's historic National Dialogue commenced on July 15, 2026 with 4,000 representatives engaged in participatory dialogue to reach consensus on eight major agenda pillars.

The residents told ENA that they believe the dialogue process is a crucial pathway to achieving lasting peace by fostering consensus among Ethiopians.  

They stated having great expectations that the process will create a shared understanding to solidify national unity, establish sustainable peace, and enhance economic growth.

A resident of the capital, Robel Birhanu, told ENA that national dialogue is a viable and civilized approach to building consensus among citizens.

Coming together under one roof to deliberate on national challenges is an essential step toward forming consensus on fundamental issues, he underscored. 

According to Robel, this will contribute significantly to driving stable development efforts that build the country's economic potential by fostering political agreement.

He expressed hope that the National Dialogue Conference will generate positive proposals that build consensus, reinforce unity, and bolster economic growth.

The other resident, Haile Alemayehu, said citizens coming together to initiate dialogue and build consensus on shared issues is a major achievement in itself.

Haile further voiced his conviction that following this historic platform, Ethiopia will build a consensus that accelerates economic growth and realize its potential as a leading nation in Africa.

For his part, Yadeta Gudeta shared his belief that the inclusive nature of the conference gives him hope that it will build common understanding among citizens and further strengthen unity.

Another resident, Almaz Tamirat, described the conference as a shared platform laying a foundation for an Ethiopia where strong mutual understanding prevails among its people.

Similarly, Aschalew Berga noted that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is a vital platform for building agreement on key national issues. 

Finally, Geremew Debebe expressed his trust that the outcomes of the national dialogue will build a consensus that ensures lasting peace and accelerates economic growth for all Ethiopians.