The diverse cultural heritages of Ethiopia serve as a foundation for promoting understanding, acceptance, and peaceful coexistence among different communities. As witnessed from its daily experiences, the various cultural values practiced by Ethiopians, the festivals play a crucial role in fostering peace, ensuring stability and unity between and among the societies.
Furthermore, cultural values provide a sense of identity and belongingness. They help individuals and communities understand their history, culture and heritage and foster a deep sense of pride and unity, contributing to greater social cohesion and reducing the likelihood of conflicts based on ethnic or cultural differences.
Cultural events, festivals, and celebrations also play a significant role in building peace. These occasions create opportunities for different communities to come together, share their traditions, and learn from one another. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for diverse cultural practices, such events help to prevent disagreements and create spaces for tolerance, peaceful interactions and coexistence.
Educating and promoting cultural values within schools and communities is an essential mechanism in building a peaceful society. By incorporating cultural education into curricula, young Ethiopians can learn about different ethnic groups, their histories, and traditions. This knowledge, in turn, helps foster empathy, respect, and a sense of shared identity, by reducing prejudice and misunderstandings.
Ethiopia, as a home to various ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions, languages, customs and cultural values, promote respect and tolerance for diversity. By embracing and valuing these value systems, Ethiopians are seen enjoying harmonious relationships with each other.
Recently, a panel discussion that discusses the role of festivals for sustaining peace and nation building was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports in collaboration with Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).
The panel delved into the economic benefits associated with cultural values, including their potential to boost the country’s economy, attract tourists, and invigorate the creative and fashion industries. It was underscored that celebrations and festivals should be aligned with the creative sector, serving as a platform to express unity and cohesion within the community.
Speaking on the occasion, State Minister for Culture and Language Development with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Worknesh Biru said that Ethiopia is a highly diverse country with several nations, nationalities and peoples who have their own unique cultural values. Among these cultural values that reflect the true identity of the communities, Fichee Chamballala, Gena, (the Birth of Jesus), Shewal Eid Holiday, Harari people festival and Timket (Epiphany) are few.
Preserving these unique cultural values and passing them on to the next generation is not only a legacy bestowed upon us by forefathers, but it is also a vital part of our national identity and a valuable resource on a global scale, she emphasized.
Mentioning that the cultural values that exist in the country are serving as world heritages apart from building the image of the country, the State Minister stated the importance of aligning these cultural values with holidays and showing their social, psychological and economic values and further strengthening social cohesion.
During the discussion, the pivotal role of cultural values in advancing the nation’s economy, attracting tourists, bolstering the creative industry, and modernizing the fashion sector was recognized. It was also emphasized the need to celebrate the festivals passing to the next generation keeping their originality, registering them, celebrate in a way that keeps their originality, aligns with the creative industry, reflecting the unity and harmony of the society.
At the event, representatives from religious institutions, scholars and stakeholders from various universities participated.
In related news, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the National Committee and religious leaders marked “Solidarity Week.” At the event conducted from 30 December to 4 January 2024 was attended by various individuals, including ministers from the Ministry of Culture and Sports, religious leaders, members of the National Committee, senior management, and staff of the institution.
Speaking at the program organized to showcase solidarity by promoting and developing cultural values, Culture and Sports Minister Kajela Merdasa, emphasized the importance of unity for Ethiopia.
According to him, harmonious relationships and unity are the manifestations of Ethiopia and Ethiopians’ unity. “We, Ethiopians, were together yesterday; we are together today and we will be together tomorrow. Living harmoniously is not an option. It is our responsibility.” He also said that while marking solidarity, we also need to further cultivate an age of Ethiopian cultural practices such as coffee ceremony, dining together and work culture.
As part of showing solidarity, ministers of the Ministry and senior officials visited various hospitals and interacted with patients, shared meals to vulnerable and held a meal sharing program with employees within the institution to commemorate togetherness
Indeed, togetherness and preserving cultural values play a vital role in fostering unity in Ethiopia, a country with diverse ethnic groups, languages, and religions. In this respect, building bridges and promoting understanding among different communities is essential to maintain peace, stability and advance development.
One way solidarity can foster unity is by promoting empathy and compassion. When individuals understand and appreciate the experiences, values, norms and aspirations of others, it creates a sense of connection and common purpose. Solidarity encourages people to support one another, especially during times of crises or conflict, and bridge social divides.
As confirmed by literatures, solidarity also facilitates the sharing of resources and opportunities. In Ethiopia, where there is significant economic disparity, promoting solidarity can help address inequalities. By providing support, investment, and aid to marginalized communities, solidarity initiatives contribute to the creation of an equitable society and bridge the socio-economic gap between different groups.
Furthermore, solidarity initiatives can help address historical grievances and promote reconciliation. Ethiopia’s history is characterized by conflicts and divisions, and fostering unity requires acknowledging past injustices and working towards reconciliation. Solidarity initiatives can promote dialogue, forgiveness, and understanding, providing a platform for different groups to come together and heal past wounds.
In addition, solidarity can contribute to the preservation of cultural diversity. Ethiopia is a diverse country, with more than 80 ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, traditions, and languages. Solidarity initiatives that celebrate and promote cultural diversity can foster a sense of pride and belongingness among different communities, while also preserving and protecting Ethiopia’s rich heritages.
In conclusion, both solidarity and cultural values are integral to building peace in Ethiopia. Embracing diversity, promoting understanding, and celebrating cultural heritage are key elements in creating a society where peace and unity thrive. By preserving and promoting cultural values, Ethiopia can continue to be a beacon of harmony and peaceful coexistence.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 6 JANUARY 2024
