National Dialogue Conference Concludes Successfully
 
August 22, 2026
 
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission announced that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference, which officially began on July 15, 2026, has successfully concluded following weeks of deliberations on fundamental national issues.
 
Speaking at a press briefing on the conclusion of the Conference, Deputy Chief Commissioner Hiroute Guebre sellassie said around 4,000 Ethiopians participated in the historic gathering, deliberating on eight fundamental national agenda items.
 
She said participants discussed the issues extensively and compiled recommendations aimed at addressing longstanding differences and challenges facing the country, which were subsequently submitted to the Commission.
 
According to the Deputy Chief Commissioner, participants reached agreement on some issues relatively easily, while others required extensive and intensive deliberations. Despite the differences in views, consensus was ultimately reached on the vast majority of the agenda items.
 
Commissioner Hiroute said the Commission closely followed the deliberations and confirmed that the discussions were conducted in an atmosphere of mutual listening, respect and tolerance.
 
She explained that the purpose of national dialogue is to provide a platform for people and groups with different perspectives to engage in constructive discussion, identify areas of common ground and find ways to move forward together.
 
“National dialogue is not about determining winners and losers,” she said, stressing that the process should not be viewed as a competition in which one side defeats another.
Rather, she noted, the Conference created an opportunity for Ethiopians from different backgrounds and with diverse views to listen to one another, exchange ideas, build relationships and develop a better understanding of the country’s challenges and possible ways forward.
 
The Deputy Chief Commissioner described the conclusion of the Conference as an important chapter in Ethiopia’s history, demonstrating the country’s capacity to address differences and longstanding national issues through dialogue.
 
She also expressed the Commission’s appreciation to all participants, institutions, partners and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the National Dialogue Conference successful.