Ethiopia is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, creating a vibrant mosaic of diversity. Renowned for its cultural heritage, the country comprises numerous ethnicities, each with its unique language, traditions, customs, and norms. These diverse groups coexist in harmony, and their unity in diversity has been instrumental in strengthening the nation, as Ethiopia’s true strength lies in its rich diversity.
With the aim of cherishing this unity in diversity, promoting understanding, and fostering respect among its various populations, Ethiopia celebrates Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Day each year on December 8 warmly and colorfully. This celebration serves as a platform to promote a national identity that embraces all ethnicities.
This year marked the 19th celebration of Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Day, (NNPD) which took place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, across the country with a variety of events, including cultural performances.
The day not only showcases Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity but also it reinforces the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and harmony. Further, it serves as a reminder that Ethiopia’s strength is rooted in its unity amid diversity, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all citizens.
Arba Minch Town hosted this year’s celebration of Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Day in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), First Lady Zinash Tayachew, high-level government officials, and invited guests. The event was held under the theme “National Consensus for Multinational Unity,” emphasizing the importance of unity among Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups and fostering a shared national identity.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described Ethiopia as a grand library. He explained, “To gain a comprehensive understanding of Ethiopia, it is essential to explore and learn about the diverse nations and nationalities within the country, just as utilizing multiple books in a library enhances one’s knowledge,” the Premier added.
According to him, Ethiopia is more than just a collection of individual works; it represents a multitude of perspectives and wisdom. Thus, he urged citizens to embrace their diverse backgrounds and learn from one another, enhancing their understanding of Ethiopia’s multifaceted identity.
Abiy drew a parallel between Ethiopia and the ocean, highlighting the wealth of resources and cultures within the nation. He called for unity to harness these diverse assets for national development, comparing the strength of a single tree to the resilience found in the unity of a forest. Just as trees support each other against adversity, he stressed that people of different backgrounds can find strength through collaboration.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s boundless potential for wealth and wisdom, Prime Minister Abiy stressed the importance of nurturing the country by returning to peace and love, united in the spirit of togetherness. He also called for strong collaboration among all Ethiopians.
Speaker of the House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager for his part said that, The House is working to establish a healthy federal system in Ethiopia.
According to the Speaker, the celebration of this event lays the foundation for justice, democracy, and constitutionalism, the Speaker added.
He further stated that after the reform, works have been carried out aimed at enhancing unity while by also ensuring the equality of all national and nationalities of the country.
President of the Southern Ethiopia State, Tilahun Kebede, reaffirmed the idea that Ethiopia’s true beauty lies in its diversity. He referred to the Southern region as a microcosm of Ethiopia, where nature and culture coexist harmoniously. “The State is a symbol of Ethiopia,” he remarked, adding that the State’s cultural wealth and natural beauty make it a fertile ground for promoting cooperation, productivity, and prosperity.
Speaking at a symposium organized in connection with the celebration, the Speaker recalled for the past 18 years, the House of Federation, in collaboration with regional and city administrations organized the annual celebrations of NNP Day in various parts of Ethiopia.
The Day is intended for nations, nationalities, and peoples to promote their values, norms, and cultures, Agegnehu said.
According to him, the Nations, Nationalities and People Day forges the multi-national unity and diversity of the country, inspiring them to rally for lasting peace and fast economic growth.
The various events of nations and nationalities day also deepens the understanding of citizens on principles of the constitutional order and the federal system, Agegnehu revealed.
The speaker added that reaching national consensus based on multi-national unity and diversity is a cornerstone for nation state-building efforts.
In this cause, he stressed the need for exerting concerted endeavors on national consensus for the realization of an effective nation state-building process in the country.
The significance of NNP Day has helped to strengthen the solidarity among Ethiopia’s diverse identities, focus unity over division, and raise public awareness of the Constitution and the federal structure, the speaker noted.
He added that the nations, nationalities and peoples are duty-bound to uphold the victories and outcomes of the constitution and strive for more gains.
The Speaker also urged all citizens to safeguard the peace of the nation and actively participate in the development undertakings of the country towards achieving the prosperity of the nation.
The Ethiopian Constitution, which recognizes the right to self-determination for all of Ethiopia’s Nations and Nationalities, underscores the celebration’s significance. The day also highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to establish a functional and inclusive federal system, ensuring that every Ethiopian has an equal stake in the country’s future, ENA reported.
Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Day is an annual occasion dedicated to promoting national unity in Ethiopia by upholding the principles of equality and solidarity while preserving the national integrity of the country.
The Day is a celebration of Ethiopia’s unique cultural heritage, aiming to promote unity, understanding, and respect among its diverse populations while highlighting the importance of inclusivity in national development.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2024
