By Eyasu Zekarias

The International Day of Peace commemoration was held in Ethiopia with the guiding idea of “Action for peace; to promote the culture of dialogue.”

At the event, Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, underscored that developing a culture of dialogue in Ethiopia is essential to bring lasting solutions to the country’s many problems.

Peace Day, which is celebrated every year on September 21 at the international level, was held in Ethiopia at the UN Conference Center on September 26, 2023.

“Although there are many initiatives to maintain peace in the face of global challenges, fostering a culture of dialogue will bring about positive changes,” emphasized Ramiz at the Peace Day commemoration program.

A panel discussion was similarly held at the program which looked into the hopes and threats of national consultation to build a culture of dialogue, in addition to the challenges and opportunities of digital media for peace building, and a community-based approach to peace.

Yonas Adaye, Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue after the meeting informed Capital that, “Since our country has come out of a war, it has sought the cause of the conflict and if it does not return to peace through negotiations, it will go back to the war. This is the main reason for the establishment of the national consultations.”  

“We will help the youth to build peace, so consultation forums will be prepared soon,” he added.

At the commemoration of the International Day of Peace event which was jointly organized by the United Nations Organization in Ethiopia and Talent Youth Association, the Ethiopian National Consultation Commission, the United Nations Humanitarian Aid Coordinator in Ethiopia, heads of civil society organizations, youth and women and invited guests attended the event.