It is widely acknowledged that the youth of Ethiopia have a vital role to play in promoting the country’s development. As the future of the nation, young Ethiopians must be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to address any challenges that arise in the country. One of the most effective methods in their toolkit is the use of discussions and dialogue. Discussions and dialogue are powerful tools as they encourage individuals to share their viewpoints and listen to one another.
It enables them to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and articulate manner while also encouraging them to act as responsible citizens. In addition, such tools create a safe space where people can come together to voice their concerns and contribute to their country’s development. Beyond promoting understanding and encouraging compromise, discussions and dialogue help establish trust and respect amongst the general public.
When individuals come together in this manner, it fosters a sense of collective responsibility as they work together towards a common goal. A focus on dialogue and discussion positively impacts social cohesion as the act of listening and engaging in constructive conversation helps build relationships and improve communication skills.
Through sharing personal experiences and perspectives, individuals can learn about issues that they may not have been previously aware of while building greater empathy and understanding with one another. Additionally, dialogues create an environment for individuals to learn new approaches to problem-solving, experience diversity and adapt to change effectively. By using effective dialogue and discussion skills, Ethiopian youth can create a culture of cooperation and mutual respect.
Discussions and dialogue are essential tools for resolving conflicts and promoting lasting peace in Ethiopia. Ethiopian youth must embrace these tools to build relationships, promote problem-solving, and foster a sense of unity amongst themselves and their fellow citizens. This approach can help to promote stability and progress in the country ensuring that Ethiopia continues to flourish and develop for generations to come.
Discussion and dialogue are essential components for Ethiopian youth to build relationships, promote greater understanding of differing opinions and perspectives, and work towards a productive problem-solving approach. By engaging with others through these methods, youth can effectively assess and address any issues that arise, establish trust, and improve communication skills.
By acknowledging each other’s diverse backgrounds and perspectives, young Ethiopians can work to better understand one another’s ideas and opinions. Through genuine conversations, youth can share their thoughts and perspectives on topics of interest or concern, which can help to strengthen their relationships.
By listening attentively to others and taking the time to understand their perspectives, youth can learn the value of mindfulness, empathy, and respect in their interactions. Participating in constructive conversations can help build communication skills that are vital for promoting cooperation and effective problem-solving. These skills can help youth foster relationships, communicate more effectively with others, and build trust in their abilities.
By reflecting on their own values and beliefs, youth can seek to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and others. This can help ensure that their approach to problem-solving is objective, inclusive, and respectful of all perspectives. Through discussions and dialogues, youth can also learn to develop critical thinking skills. This entails the ability to analyze and evaluate information critically, question assumptions, and identify gaps in knowledge.
Effective critical thinking requires youth to be curious about their surroundings and willing to ask probing questions enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of issues affecting their communities. Furthermore, youth can also learn important leadership and decision-making skills through dialogue and discussion. By engaging in discussions and collaboratively working towards solutions, youth can develop valuable leadership qualities such as effective communication, assertiveness, flexibility, and adaptability.
As a result of effective dialogue and discussion, youth can ultimately develop a sense of empowerment that comes from taking active steps towards solving issues and contributing to society. This empowerment can help improve their attitude towards civic involvement, create an interest in public service, and foster a sense of community and national pride in Ethiopia.
Through dialogue, young Ethiopians can learn to critically assess their environment, share their thoughts and opinions respectfully, and draw from the collective insights and experiences of others. In doing so, they can contribute to a more inclusive and unified society while being inspired to achieve their full potential.
In addition to promoting peace and problem-solving, dialogue and discussion can also foster a sense of unity amongst Ethiopian youth. By coming together to work towards a common goal, they can create a community that is supportive, collaborative, and united in their desire to help their country and fellow citizens. One of the main benefits of using dialogue and discussion as a tool for resolving conflicts is that it encourages compromise and collaboration.
It is also important to note that discussions and dialogue are more effective when all parties feel heard and respected. Therefore, it is important for Ethiopian youth to develop active listening skills as well as the ability to express their own ideas in a clear and articulate manner.
By facilitating open and respectful communication, youth can work together to build relationships, promote problem-solving, and foster a sense of unity amongst themselves and their fellow citizens. This approach can help to promote stability and progress in the country, and ensure that Ethiopia continues to thrive and develop for generations to come.
Every step towards peace, however small, contributes to making the world a better place. One of the key responsibilities that we have as individuals is to develop respect and tolerance for others. Our ability to appreciate differences and embrace diversity is crucial in promoting peaceful coexistence. We must resist the temptation to make assumptions or prejudgments about others based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or language.
Peace is a collective effort that requires action and commitment from every individual, government, organization and community around the world. We must recognize our roles as peace builders and take responsibility for creating a peaceful and harmonious world. We must work together, listening to different perspectives and developing solutions that build trust, respect and mutual understanding.
Ethiopian youth need to use discussion and dialogue as the main tool to resolve any problems and ensure lasting peace in the country, an official at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs underscored, according to information obtained from Ethiopian News Agency.
A workshop organized recently by Ethiopian Youth Council in connection with marking the International Day of Peace held, under the theme: “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals.”
Addressing the workshop, Head of the Minister’s Office at Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Etagegn Assefa said prioritizing discussion and dialogue as the main tool to resolve any challenges and problems is pivotal.
Understanding of differences among each other, resolving disagreement through peaceful means has to be a top problem resolving mechanism, she affirmed.
Since peace is crucial for all, exerting maximum efforts for ensuring peace is also the responsibility of all, the head further noted.
Etagegn also praised Ethiopian youth for the tremendous role they have played in realizing development and bringing changes with huge sacrifices.
Similarly, Ethiopian Youth Council President Fuad Gena said peace enables to strengthen the bond among citizens.
For the president, lack of peace damages coexistence of the community, creates lack of trust among citizens and it opens the doors for hatred. So, for Ethiopian youth, working in collaboration with all peace loving in general and engaging the effort to ensure lasting peace should be a priority.
Member of the Standing Committee for Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, and Chairman of Foreign Relations Sub-committee Ambassador Tawfik Abdullahi said for his part that, to ensure lasting peace and realize development goals of the country, the role of all is pivotal as engaging the youth in such efforts in particular is also crucial.
Each year, on 21st September, the international Day of Peace is observed around the world.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
The Ethiopian Herald September 27/2023
