Update on the Progress of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference
 
Since its official opening on 15 July 2026, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference has continued in accordance with the methodology adopted by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. The Conference has now reached important milestones in its deliberative process while maintaining broad participation, transparency, and adherence to the established procedures.
 
The Conference brought together nearly 4,000 participants representing a broad cross-section of Ethiopian society. Participants include representatives from regional stakeholders, woreda-level constituencies, political parties, religious institutions, federal government institutions, civil society organizations, the Ethiopian diaspora, women, youth, and other organized social groups. This broad participation has created an inclusive platform through which diverse perspectives and experiences are being reflected in the national dialogue.
 
Deliberations are taking place around eight nationally identified agenda items. Participants are assigned to one agenda item only and remain within their respective thematic group throughout the Conference. Each thematic group consists of approximately 500 participants, allowing members to examine their assigned issue in depth rather than moving between different agenda items. This approach has enabled sustained discussion, deeper reflection, and more comprehensive consideration of each agenda.
 
The Conference is being conducted through a structured dialogue methodology designed to encourage meaningful participation. Discussions began in micro-groups of ten participants, progressed to sub-groups of fifty, and later advanced to strategic groups of 250 participants. This gradual progression has enabled participants to exchange views, identify areas of convergence, refine differing perspectives, and build a stronger foundation for subsequent deliberations.
 
The process has been supported by a panel of 80 independent experts. Prior to each round of discussions, the experts provided factual background, technical explanations, and clarifications on the respective agenda items. Their role has been to ensure that participants engage in informed discussions while preserving the independence of the dialogue process.
 
Another major milestone has been the election of representatives to participate in the Conference’s decision-making structures. Representatives were elected from regional states, city administrations, federal institutions, and various stakeholder groups, including woreda-level constituencies, women, youth, political parties, civil society organizations, teachers, eminent personalities, and government institutions. In total, 330 representatives were elected to contribute to the Conference’s decision-making process.
 
The dialogue has been facilitated by 160 independent facilitators, while 158 rapporteurs have documented the discussions and outcomes. Their work has ensured that deliberations follow the agreed methodology and that participants’ views are accurately recorded.
 
The Conference has also been attended by observers drawn from Ethiopian professional associations and civil society organizations. Their presence has contributed to strengthening public confidence by reinforcing the transparency, openness, and credibility of the process.
 
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission remains committed to conducting the Conference in accordance with its established methodology and guiding principles. The Commission will continue to provide timely updates as the Conference advances toward its subsequent stages.