Diplomats, Businessmen Hail Ethiopia’s Green Legacy as a Global Model for Climate Resilience

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2025 (ENA)— The Green Legacy Initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is now hailed as a globally renowned effort, according to foreign dignitaries who joined today’s planting.

Ethiopians from all walks of life have united today in a historic nationwide tree-planting campaign, aiming to set a new milestone by planting 700 million saplings in a single day.

 This ambitious Green Legacy Initiative stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and inclusive prosperity.

 International community also joined hands today to plant seedlings in support of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative.

 Claudio Pascualucci, Italian Trade Commissioner at the Italian Embassy in Ethiopia, emphasized the significance of the initiative and the importance of long-term community engagement in environmental protection.

“It is a very important day with very important action,” he said, adding “I'm happy to see so much community engagement. Sustainability and reinforcing the green is very important for many reasons, and we’re very happy to contribute.”

 Noting that Ethiopia and Italy are very close countries, he said, “We are happy to be here to demonstrate our friendship with the Ethiopian people.”

 For Pascualucci, what is being done is very impressive, with a remarkable level of community engagement.

 This effort should not be limited to just one day a year, but continue throughout the year, he added.

 He stated Ethiopia is one of the most important and rapidly growing countries.

 As it continues to develop, that progress must be sustainable and embraced by the people; planting trees is a step in the right direction toward achieving that goal, according to him.

Deputy Head of Mission of the Danish Embassy in Ethiopia, Sebastian Lukas praised the global recognition of the initiative and its grassroots momentum.

“I think the green legacy initiative initiated by the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has now become world famous,” he stated.

It has not only put tree planting and environmental issues on the agenda, but it has mobilized hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians and inspired the continent and the wider world.

Liu Xuhun, General Manager of Huajian Special Economic Zone, reflected on his years of participation in Ethiopia’s tree planting campaigns since arriving in the country in 2017.

 “I’ve spent this day planting trees with Ethiopians every year,” Liu said. “It reminds me of China’s own national tree planting day in March,” he stated.

 Xuhun elaborated that trees contribute to the greenery of the country and help protect the environment.

 The Green Legacy Initiative has been credited with mobilizing millions of Ethiopians and planting billions of trees since its launch in 2019.

 This year’s campaign reinforces Ethiopia’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development, while strengthening international partnerships for a greener future.