LocationsVoices from the National Dialogue process
A young voice for accountability and inclusion
December 26, 2025
In the lush green highlands of Bonga, where mist drifts over coffee fields and life moves with quiet rhythm, a young man named Teninet Worku is helping to shape a new chapter in Ethiopia’s journey toward peace and dialogue. As a member of the Kafa Green Party and in charge of the Secretary and the Party’s youth wing in the Southwest region, Teninet represents a generation that is both hopeful and demanding; a generation that believes peace must be rooted in accountability, inclusion, and genuine commitment.
From an early age, Teninet was drawn to conversations about justice and equality. Growing up in a region known for its rich diversity and cultural harmony, he saw firsthand how dialogue could unite people, but also how its absence could breed misunderstanding and division. Through his involvement in the party’s youth wing and his leadership role, Teninet has worked to encourage young people to engage in civic issues, to debate, and to imagine a more inclusive Ethiopia.
His participation in the Ethiopian National Dialogue began when he took part in the different process including a regional agenda collection session, contributing ideas that reflect the priorities of young people and his community. Later, he joined a dialogue and consultation session organized by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission in Bonga, alongside women and persons with disabilities. The goal of the session was to build understanding of the national dialogue process, foster community ownership, and discuss ways to sustain dialogue as a social culture beyond the Commission’s tenure.
During the session, Teninet spoke clearly and passionately. He emphasized that for the dialogue to have real impact, it must go beyond discussions and turn into action. “The government must be genuinely committed to implementing the feedback that comes from these conversations,” he said firmly. “People will only trust the process if they see real change.”
He also stressed that the agenda-setting process must be inclusive, reflecting the voices of all regions, parties, and social groups. For Teninet, dialogue is not just about sitting together, it is about listening honestly and acting transparently. He reminded participants that the ENDC carries a great responsibility: to remain neutral, uphold its mandate faithfully, and be supported by all stakeholders in order to succeed.
By the end of the session, Teninet shared a message of unity and perseverance. He called for more dialogues like this one with youth, elders, community leaders, and different segments of society to deepen trust and collective understanding. He said that “if such engagements continue, dialogue will evolve from a mere program into an integral part of the nation’s culture.”
Teninet’s story is one of thoughtful leadership and principled optimism. He embodies the voice of a new Ethiopia, one that seeks freedom, fairness, and lasting peace through inclusion and accountability. His words echo a simple but powerful truth: for dialogue to succeed, every participant must not only speak, but also be heard and every promise made must be honored.