National Dialogue Commission Removes Titles to Promote Equal Participation

July 13, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has announced that titles, ranks and conventional protocol forms of address will not be used during the national dialogue process, as preparations continue for the start of the discussions on July 15, 2026.

Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said the decision applies to internal dialogue sessions and related documents, adding that participants will be recognised as equal contributors regardless of their official positions or social status.

Speaking at an orientation forum attended by more than 4,000 participants, Mesfin said the approach is designed to enable citizens to engage in discussions about the country’s future without feeling psychological pressure linked to hierarchy.

He said the national dialogue represents an unprecedented gathering of different sections of Ethiopian society, including scholars, farmers, students, displaced people and communities from remote areas, requiring a format that gives equal weight to every participant’s views.

“Since this is the first time in Ethiopia’s history that scholars, farmers, students, displaced people and people from border areas have come together at one table, there will be no practice of identifying participants by titles and ranks,” Professor Mesfin said.

The commissioner said the removal of protocol-based forms of address should not be interpreted as a reduction in respect for elders, religious leaders or community figures. Instead, he said, it is intended to ensure equality of ideas during the dialogue.

While titles will not be used during internal discussions, Professor Mesfin said a separate diplomatic protocol could be applied during the official opening ceremony, where representatives of international organisations and foreign countries are expected to attend.

Source: FSX Business News