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It is vital for Ethiopian civil society organizations to work in a coordinated and organized manner in supporting the national dialogue. This was said during today's consultative forum between Civil Society Organizations and the National Dialogue Commission.
In his welcoming speech, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organization Council (ECSOC), Henok Melesse, said, "This is a time when our country is under more pressure than ever, both internally and externally. Therefore, in the face of any differences and conflicts that may arise, it is important for us to strengthen our efforts in peacebuilding which will be vital in the national dialogue process."
Regarding the ongoing work and preparations for the national dialogue, National Dialogue Commissioner, Melaku Woldemariam stated, "The significant role that civil society organizations are contributing to the benefit of the national dialogue in reaching the lower sections of the society in an organized manner is commendable."
In today's forum, alliances of civil society organizations engaged in youth-oriented and women-oriented work also gave a presentation on the work being done to support the national dialogue. In connection with this ECSOC's Executive Director underlined "in our efforts to support the national dialogue, civil society organizations need to properly synergize in a coordinated manner."
ECSOC and ENDC jointly organized the discussion forum through support from Oxfam Ethiopia.