Public dialogues on the achievements of the Medemer State are underway in Ethiopian cities, fostering a nationwide conversation around the Medemer State philosophy. This initiative aims to unite citizens and leaders in a collective reflection on national progress, addressing persistent challenges and reinforcing the country's reform journey. Themed 'The Virtues of Guba: Achievements of the Medemer State', the dialogue series will take place this weekend in over 25 cities, including Adama, Jimma, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Gode, Dire Dawa, Bonga, and Wolayta Soddo. Despite diverse geography and socio-culture, discussions are guided by a unified national theme, emphasizing unity, cooperation, collective responsibility, and homegrown solutions for sustainable progress. The dialogues seek to celebrate achievements through government-people cooperation, deepen public ownership of development, and gather public input to shape future priorities. They also aim to transcend past political divisions, promoting a shared national narrative based on common purpose and mutual responsibility. Participants from diverse societal segments, including religious leaders, elders, youth, women, business communities, investors, professionals, and scholars, actively engage in these inclusive discussions, embodying the spirit of the Medemer approach. The focus is on major Medemer State achievements, progress in addressing public demands, and upcoming national initiatives. Residents across cities acknowledge tangible, people-centric results from multi-sectoral development efforts in recent years. In Adama, corridor development, agricultural transformation, improved service delivery, and urban modernization are highlighted as key milestones. National projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, fertilizer manufacturing, natural gas development, and renewed pursuit of sovereign sea access are praised as strategic investments in long-term resilience. However, rising living costs, unemployment, housing shortages, and service quality gaps demand sustained, coordinated action from both government and citizens. In Dire Dawa, development and good governance reforms have addressed public concerns, but further institutionalization is needed. Progress in road construction, agriculture, mining, industry, tourism, and youth initiatives is noted. Women participants highlight women's leadership advances, while religious leaders stress the importance of collaboration in promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion. Youth representatives call for expanded job creation and governance reforms. In Bahir Dar, ensuring peace is seen as the cornerstone for large-scale, intergenerational development projects. The government's strategic infrastructure and development initiatives are praised as investments benefiting present and future generations. The elevation of Ethiopia's sea access question into a national strategic agenda is commended, emphasizing the need for unity and public support. Dialogue facilitators explain that discussion documents are based on citizen feedback, focusing on social services, development performance, living costs, unemployment, and peace. The dialogues aim to assess government progress and reinforce the constitutional principle of people's sovereignty. Senior officials emphasize that sustained public dialogues enhance implementation capacity, accountability, and civic participation, crucial for durable solutions to long-standing challenges. Participants across cities consistently call for stronger measures to address living costs, employment, and housing. Officials commit to enhancing innovation efforts in agriculture, job creation, digital services, industrial development, and social protection. Organized, informed public participation is seen as critical to translating national commitments into concrete results and elevating Ethiopia's development trajectory.
