The closure of the 2nd  Ethiopian millennium and the beginning of  the  new one is not a mere marker of transition between two epochs in a wall calendar. It goes without saying that it carries the baggage of history, with all its ups and downs of thousands of years, a civilization that has its unique features and a diverse population with a colourful culture and heritage. What is already passing represents a rich mosaic of religious, economic, social and political systems that have fascinated scholars, baffled would be colonialists, thrilled potential trade partners and challenged politicians who wish to lead the nation.

On the dawn of the new millennium, it is incumbent on all Ethiopians to explore ways of building and enhancing our capacity to sustain both our rich heritages and a proud history of an ancient and unique civilization. Current and future generations of Ethiopians have a huge responsibility to carry-on this golden heritage and proud history, which has been for decades, if not for centuries a hallmark of great contribution,   inspiration and a leading star  for the entire  African continent and for the black  people of African descent world-wide.

These perspectives are complementary: highlighting Ethiopia’s proud legacy will set the stage for the nation’s future in all fields of knowledge, thus enabling the new generation to carry the torch of that legacy to the distant future. Tapping on the great reservoirs of unyielding and renowned Ethiopian spirits of the past generations, we aspire in this Symposium to critically look at ways for re-establishing our country’s great image and prestige in the world platform, by helping her to institute forward-looking policies in all walks of life today and for the coming decades.

Themes of the symposium reflect the 2000 years of achievements, frustrations and challenges as well as the new directions of civil and political lives of Ethiopians in the context of our diversity, modernity and globalization. The invited presenters are expected to highlight the achievements, frustrations and challenges of the current generation of Ethiopians, as they face the future and struggle to recognize their roots in an ancient civilization, lift their heads and spirits high and assert their great potentials, resources and innovative qualities.

The symposium also hopes to open a dialogue over innovative approaches to help enable our country, first and foremost be self-reliant as it strives to control its future.  The sub-themes will encompass the overwhelming social, economic and political difficulties the country has been undergoing over the centuries, particularly the last century.  These will be used for exploring and bringing forth the underlying strategies for overcoming them.