Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Holds Forum with Ethiopian Diaspora in Canada
September 6, 2025 – Toronto, Canada
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission successfully conducted a dialogue forum on September 6, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, engaging Ethiopians and descendants of Ethiopians living in the country. The forum served two key purposes: collecting diaspora agenda items for the national dialogue and electing representatives to take part in the upcoming national dialogue conference.
During the session, participants raised questions and shared comments concerning the Commission’s work and the broader national dialogue process. Commissioners present at the forum addressed these issues with openness and detailed explanations.
Some participants, including individuals claiming to represent groups engaged in armed struggle in Ethiopia, posed challenging questions. Others openly expressed dissenting views. Despite these differences, the Commissioners ensured that the dialogue remained constructive, responding with patience and respect. This inclusive approach allowed diverse voices to be heard and was widely appreciated by attendees, including those with opposing perspectives.
The forum highlighted the Commission’s guiding principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and participatory engagement, which were evident throughout the discussions and reinforced by the positive feedback received from participants.
Following the exchanges, participants formed groups to organize their proposed national agenda items and elected representatives who will carry these forward to the national dialogue conference. Their findings were formally reported back to the Commission.
In her closing remarks, Deputy Chief Commissioner Hiroute Gebreselassie expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian diaspora in Canada for their active involvement. Deputy Chief Commissioner Hiroute Gebreselassie emphasized the Commission’s commitment to welcoming all ideas and questions, stressing that broad consultation is essential for finding lasting solutions to the country’s challenges. She also called upon Ethiopians worldwide to stand together and contribute to addressing Ethiopia’s pressing national issues.
