National dialogue has emerged as the primary avenue to sustainably resolve the complex political, social, and economic challenges Ethiopia has faced throughout its history and to build national consensus.

Our country's national efforts to overcome these hurdles and transition to a higher level of growth and prosperity can only bear fruit when lasting peace is ensured.

For many years, the approaches taken to resolve differences through force and conflict have yielded no lasting solutions, bringing nothing but destruction, internal division, and a fractured society. As history teaches us, forcefully imposed solutions offer only temporary relief and fail to uproot the underlying causes of the problems.

The unnecessary sacrifices the people have paid for generations and the resulting national devastation can only be halted by learning from past historical mistakes, engaging in inclusive discussions, and cultivating a culture of listening to one another.

It must be emphasized that the national dialogue, initiated to correct these historical mistakes and jointly determine the future direction of our country is not merely about sitting around a table. Rather, it aims to handle differences in a mature manner, create a fair and inclusive platform, and collaboratively build a peaceful and stable Ethiopia to pass down to the next generation.

Consequently, prioritizing discussion, negotiation, and mutual understanding is the only option for ensuring lasting peace. The success of this national dialogue will be guaranteed only through the active and sincere participation of all citizens, political forces, and segments of society.