UNDP Praises Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as a Model for Commitment and Inclusion

Addis ababa: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has described Ethiopia's National Dialogue as a sustained and effective effort to address fundamental national issues through inclusive consultations and peaceful engagement.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Resident Representative UNDP Ethiopia, Samuel Gbaydee Doe, highlighted in an exclusive interview on the progress of the process that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has spent the past four years conducting extensive consultations across the country, from woreda to regional levels.Doe stated that national dialogue serves as a platform for societies to engage in broad conversations on critical issues affecting their future. He commended both the Ethiopian government and the public for showing the determination and political will required to sustain such a process.Having studied and observed national dialogue initiatives in various countries, Doe noted that each nation's experience is unique due to its own history, challe nges, and grievances. He emphasized that Ethiopia's circumstances differ significantly due to its long history and diverse social fabric.Doe highlighted Ethiopia's rich cultural and ethnic diversity, describing the country as home to more than 80 nationalities, each with its own history, language, and traditions. He stated that the dialogue process offers an opportunity to transform this diversity into a source of national strength and unity.Emphasizing the importance of peaceful engagement, Doe stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path toward lasting national cohesion. He expressed confidence in the ongoing process and called on all Ethiopians to support it by building social trust and maintaining their commitment to peaceful dialogue.