ADDIS ABABA – Proactively responding to the requests of the youth on national matters is vital to achieve the nation building endeavor through inclusive consultations, Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) said.
During youth agenda submission event held last Tuesday organized by Ybuntu-Youth Peace building Alliance and Tamra for Social Development (TSD) in partnership with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), ENDC Commissioner, Ambaye Ugato (PhD) expressed that the youth have raised a number of issues such as constitutional amendment, peace and security, job creation, and fair distribution of resources.
The youth also submitted concerns related to distorted narratives, natural resource conservation, the issue of administrative boundaries and identity, sexual harassment, full implementation of the Pretoria agreement and protection of persons with disability and migrants, to be entertained during the National Dialogue.
Ambaye said that the youth participation in the undergoing National Dialogue process that designed to resolve country’s multifaceted disparities, would play an indispensable role in ensuring peace and stability through inclusive and transparent consultations.
According to him, the National Dialogue is the exact solution to resolve the current problems of the country thereby paying due attention to the requests and suggestions of youth would have a manifold advantages.
So far, ENDC has been carrying out dialogue in the various parts of the country with the participation of over 200,000 people. The commission involved the youth to play their part in the consultation process to bring fruitful outcome in promoting patriotic sentiment.
Ybuntu-Youth Peace –building Alliance’s Director General, Biruk Yergalem stated that the alliance has been working on awareness raising activities in various states and cities by conducting seven dialogue trainings.
The activities include 12 media campaigns by 52 youth-oriented and youth-led organizations, eight Digital Conversations, and three national trainings for more than 2,000 young people through a Telegram channel, he mentioned.
Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC’s), Executive Director Terefe Degiti said “Capacitating civil society organizations would play an immense role in bringing holistic development in Ethiopia.”
Terefe pointed out that his council and ENDC have signed a memorandum of understanding whilst they have been working hand-in hand for the nation’s development and interest. In a similar manner, understanding the agendas of the youth is crucial to achieve the nation building efforts.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2025
