On March 8, 2026, the Center for Empowerment Ethiopia Association (CEE) successfully conducted a high-level consultative meeting in its office. The meeting brought together representatives from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), CEE’s local partners, and community beneficiaries under the project titled “Strengthening Democratic Resilience and Social Cohesion through Multi-Level Dialogue.”
The consultative forum created an inclusive platform for dialogue among key stakeholders to reflect on progress, share experiences, and identify practical pathways for enhancing democratic values and strengthening social cohesion at community and institutional levels. Participants engaged in open discussions on challenges affecting social harmony, trust-building mechanisms, and the importance of sustained dialogue for Democratic Resilience in diverse communities.
Representative from NED appreciated the progress made so far and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote democratic resilience and inclusive participation. Partner organizations and beneficiaries also shared impactful testimonies, highlighting how the project has contributed to improving mutual understanding, reducing tensions, and empowering communities to actively participate in local governance processes.
CEE emphasized the importance of multi-level dialogue as a tool to bridge gaps between communities, local authorities, and civil society actors. The organization reaffirmed its dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence, promoting human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions through collaborative and community-driven approaches.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to continue working together, scale up successful interventions, and ensure sustainable impact in promoting social cohesion and democratic resilience across the region.
Together, building stronger communities through dialogue, trust, and participation.
Absolutely, as one of the participant, I’m a living witness for that the consultative meeting held on CEE meeting hall with different stakeholders i.e NED representative, different partners those working collaboratively with CEE, and the beneficiaries, and staff of the CEE was very fruitful .
Mainly the consultative meeting was focused on the way of strengthened democratic resilience and social cohesion among the community resource mobilizers like youth and women association, religious leaders, activists and others through dialogue by raising awarness.
Mostly and repeatedly the raised hot issue in our discusdion is, ”the involvement of youths and uplifting their awarness regarding building democracy through dialogue in their area is very crucial.”
Thank you all in advance!