For the 14th time, the annual National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano), kicks off today at the Kigali Convention Centre.

It brings together people from all walks of life to discuss issues affecting the country, seek solutions and chart the way forward.

This year’s theme; "Shaping together the Rwanda we want”, is very pertinent. For the last two decades, Rwanda has been all about rebuilding itself but in an image that is all representative with a common vision of where it wants to go.

Many national policies were conceived in past dialogues. Whenever it is in session, Umushyikirano evaluates the progress and performance of national programmes. Leaders are called to account as discussions are open to all.

Those not able to attend physically participate via various media; they can use social media or even phone in. The outcomes of Umushyikirano have made even non-Rwandans take notice. It is a litmus test of people driven initiatives.

The uniqueness of the National Dialogue is that no one knows what will take centre stage in the discussions; topics are generated from participants.

Some leaders find themselves in tight spots when confronted with their performance or lack of it. It is a time of reckoning, a time to be accountable.

Umushyikirano, beyond being a court of public opinion, is a laboratory of ideas and a launching pad of new policies that have propelled this country forward.

This is an opportunity for those with nation-building ideas to come forward and be counted. It is a platform to shape the destiny of the country.