Ethiopians Have Fallen Behind Their Younger Generations for Ages – Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya (Professor)

August 30, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission convened a forum at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., bringing together Ethiopians of the diaspora living in North America and neighboring areas to deliberate on the national agenda.

Opening the forum, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya underscored Ethiopia’s missed opportunities in democratic progress. “Although the America you live in is younger than Ethiopia in age, it is at the pinnacle of democracy,” he said. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s history of conflict and lack of cooperation, he noted that the nation has not yet reached such a level of development.

“The time is now for everyone,” he affirmed, emphasizing cooperation as essential to building lasting peace. He stressed that through inclusive dialogue and popular participation, Ethiopians are embarking on a historic journey toward national reconciliation.

Established in February, 2021 the Commission has undertaken numerous activities over the past years to advance this process. The Chief Commissioner described it as a historic initiative in which Ethiopians are participating without preconditions or discrimination. Despite differences among Ethiopians, he noted, they remain united by their concern for the country’s future.

While some have sought to undermine the Commission’s work, many others have actively supported it, contributing to its progress. The Washington forum, he said, is evidence of that ongoing success.

Professor Mesfin further remarked that “waiting for resistance rooted in wrong principles is unnecessary; pursuing the democratic path is the better approach.”

Looking ahead, the Commission announced plans to hold similar forums in Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Chief Commissioner highlighted that while the Commission’s remaining tasks are few, they are of critical importance. These include organizing a dialogue forum in the Tigray region, concluding the diaspora dialogue initiative, presenting and setting the agenda, and conducting the main national dialogue, followed by implementation.