Nat’l Dialogue Conference Ensures Mutual Victory in Building Sustainable Peace, Development: Participants

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) — Participants affirmed that the ongoing National Dialogue Conference is serving as a bridge toward sustainable peace and development by fostering consensus and ensuring a win-win outcome.

The main Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference has been underway since July 15, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center, bringing together thousands of delegates for in depth discussions on eight major agenda items.

A total of 4,000 participants from Ethiopia and abroad are taking part in the conference, working toward shared understanding and national consensus.

The participants told ENA that the conference is laying a strong foundation for a culture of consensus based on the supremacy of ideas.

They described the conference as a platform that promotes mutual gains in efforts to build lasting peace and sustainable development.

Agaredech Jemaneh, one of the participants, said the conference has brought together citizens with diverse views to engage in civilized and historic national consultations.

Despite differences in perspectives, Ethiopians can reach common understanding and develop joint solutions, she said.

Agaredech further elaborated that expanding the practice of dialogue will serve as a crucial bridge toward building an Ethiopia grounded in consensus, with recommendations emerging from effective listening, consultation and mutual understanding.

Another participant, Fatuma Yimam, also said the Dialogue Conference is conducting inclusive and participatory discussions by organizing participants into groups of 10, 50, 250 and 500.

The structured approach enables participants to freely present their ideas, consult with one another and develop solutions that promote mutual understanding, she added.

Abdi Kedir, another participant, also emphasized that the Dialogue Conference is creating opportunities for citizens to listen to and understand one another.

Recalling past challenges, he said Ethiopia had previously paid a heavy price due to limited opportunities for consultation and dialogue.

The National Dialogue Conference is helping build common consensus through democratic processes, he said, expressing confidence that the dialogue will make a significant contribution to national unity, peace and sustainable development.