ADDIS ABABA – Higher education institutions hold immense potential to address Ethiopia’s major national challenges, said the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC).
During a consultation forum with higher education institutions yesterday, Chief Commissioner Prof. Mesfin Araya noted that intellectuals have a crucial role in resolving the country’s challenges. He noted that Ethiopia has faced a difficult journey of both natural and manmade crises, with the latter requiring urgent resolution through peaceful National Dialogue.
“Holding peaceful National Dialogue is essential, and higher education institutions are vital in fostering a culture of resolving differences through dialogue,” Prof. Mesfin said. He commended universities for their support in providing logistics, moderators, and intellectual input for ENDC’s activities.
The agenda gathering for the dialogue has already been conducted in nine states and two city administrations. The Chief Commissioner underlined that ongoing discussions with higher education institutions are critical for identifying their role in the upcoming main National Dialogue Council.
For his part, Commissioner Ambaye Ogatu (PhD) highlighted the importance of intellectual communities in countering misinformation, shaping public opinion, and creating frameworks for resolving challenges. He urged intellectuals to take ownership of the National Dialogue, engage actively in expert panels, and help translate the dialogue outcomes into actionable policies and regulations.
Commissioner YonasAdaye (PhD) added that the National Dialogue is pivotal for shifting Ethiopia’s political trajectory. The ENDC has been working with over 50 political parties and international stakeholders while conducting agenda gathering and awareness creation. To date, 105,370 participants from 932 districts across nine states and two city administrations have engaged in the dialogue process.
Despite significant grassroots participation, the ENDC acknowledged challenges such as unrealistic expectations, lack of trust, political will, and the spread of misinformation. Commissioner TegegneworkGetumentioned these obstacles while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to inclusivity and dialogue.
The ENDC plans to continue training, expand agenda gathering in areas like Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia, and finalize preparations for the main National Dialogue. Representatives from 56 universities, intellectuals, and officials participated in the forum to discuss their contribution to the national effort.
It is believed that academia plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s National Dialogue by providing research-based insights, fostering inclusive discourse, and offering intellectual leadership. In a diverse country like Ethiopia, academia helps bridge divides through deep analysis, long-term vision, and conflict resolution.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024
