Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) said that the agenda setting process so far conducted in various regions and city administrations across the country are successful. Ethiopians are actively engaged on discussing outstanding issues of national significance in an inclusive, democratic and transparent manner to rectify age old grievances and challenges through peaceful dialogue and pass on prosperous Ethiopia to posterity. The agenda gathering consultation organized by the Commission in Sidama Region has kicked off today in Hawassa city. Speaking on the occasion, ENDC Commissioner Ambassador Mohammud Dirir said the national dialogue forum is something that we cannot afford to miss as it is a historical chapter in which the challenges that the country has been facing for ages will be resolved in a sustained manner. He added that it is important to resolve differences of opinion and the resultant conflicts and other multi-faceted challenges through constructive dialogues. Ambassa dor Mahmmud further noted that the agenda gathering processes that have so far been conducted in various regions and city administrations across the country are successful. The other ENDC Commissioner Melaku Woldemariam thanked all who have been participating in the deliberations of the national dialogue. He added that although the tradition of consultations and conducting dialogues has been going on in the country, the current national dialogue is a forum in which issues of national significance will be discussed. Melaku further added that due to our disagreements we have so far failed to utilize our natural endowments and resources noting that all Ethiopians should contribute their part for the successful conduct of the national dialogue at all stages. 'The National Dialogue Forum is not about usual discussions we conduct among ourselves but is a forum in which we discuss on issues of national significance in a respectful and equitable manner,' Ambaye Ogato, who is also ENDC Commissioner, remarked. He further noted that it is important to thrust out from mere political narratives and use the occasion as an opportunity to consult with each other and listen to our respective views adding that we have reached to a stage in which we need to safeguard our unity and develop a common view on which we will be able to create a strong social entity and strive towards full-fledged national development. Some 1,800 representatives drawn from 45 districts in Sidama region, delegates from various political parties, representatives of governmental and no-governmental institutions representatives of various institutions and renowned personalities in the region have started participating in the agenda item selection process. The representatives who are participating on agenda selection in the region are conducting their deliberations under oath. Established in 2021 by a proclamation, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has carried out immense activities to discharge its responsibilities bestowed upon it by law. Source: Ethiopian News Agency