Selam Ethiopia has been organising Selam Talks, a platform that brings together panellists from various regions, both within Ethiopia and abroad, representing diverse backgrounds. These sessions are designed to address a wide range of issues within the country. This year, Selam Ethiopia is hosting Selam Talks for three consecutive months to delve into various topics of national importance.
The inaugural Selam Talks session, titled “Building Peace Using Art and Culture,” took place on November 22, 2022, at the Swedish Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This session explored the pivotal role that art and culture play in the current peacebuilding efforts in Ethiopia.
To facilitate this discussion, Selam Ethiopia conducted extensive research spanning four months, encompassing different regions of the country. The objective was to assess how the Ethiopian arts and culture sector could enhance its contribution to the peacebuilding process. This research aimed to identify challenges, opportunities, and best practices within the sector, gathering insights from artists, cultural experts, peace advocates, and institutions.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Tilahun Bejitual Zellelew (PhD),, a researcher and consultant specialising in socio-cultural affairs, presented a comprehensive study examining the challenges, opportunities, and best practices of the arts and culture sector concerning its role in peacebuilding in Ethiopia. This research was discussed by a panel of experts, including:
- Mrs. Asma Redi: CEO, Ministry of Peace, Nation Building
- Agegnehu Adane Dilnesahu: Director of the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design at Addis Ababa University and Fine Arts Lecturer
- Mahlet Solomon: Theatre and film director, scriptwriter, actress, and producer
These discussions aim to contribute to a better understanding of how art and culture can actively participate in the peacebuilding processes of Ethiopia.
