Participants representing different Civil Society Organizations deliberated on the “Role of Civil Societies in Peace Building.” In his opening remark, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC), Henok Melesse, said "The Civil Society is an important actor in Peacebuilding.

It is expected that civil societies will contribute a great deal in reducing violence and facilitating the conditions needed for sustainable peace.” Legal and Policy Advisor at ECSOC, Zelalem Eshetu, stated in his presentation that studies have proved that the inclusion of civil society actors in the peace settlement increases the durability of peace so it is important for those in the sector to participate closely in the peace process.