Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative Model for African Climate Action: AU Official Says

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2025 (ENA) -- The African Union (AU) Staff Association has commended Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), describing it a model for the global climate action.

Nouhou Thiam, President of the AU Staff Association and Head of the AU Policy Organ Division, has praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as an exemplary contribution to the global fight against climate change.

Speaking during a joint tree planting event organized by the AU Staff Association and the Addis Ababa City Administration’s Community Participation and Voluntarism Coordination Commission in Yeka Sub-City, Thiam commended Ethiopia for raising the “green legacy in a very perfect way.”

 

Ethiopia has set a new national record for tree planting, with 714.7 million seedlings planted in a single day on July 31, 2025 as part of the country's ambitious Green Legacy Initiative.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also said, “Once again, Ethiopians have proven that incredible things happen when we come together." He noted the widespread participation from various segments of society, institutions, and international organizations.

Thiam also described the GLI as a cherished Ethiopian tradition that is "transforming the landscape of Ethiopia, rewriting history, and reshaping the face of the world."

The planting efforts have continued across the country, with today’s event conducted by African Union staff as part of the ongoing program.

A tree is alive, and when it grows, it generates many benefits that impact human well-being and regulate the environment, he said, noting that the initiative can be considered part of worldwide efforts to tackle climate change.

 ‘’At the current mainstream of the world, you see cyclones, storms, fires. So, it does indicate that the environment was in danger,’’ he added.

Citing recent cyclones, storms, and wildfires across the globe, Thiam stressed the urgency of scaling up tree planting efforts.

 “We can play a regulatory role to restore nature and water resources,” he added, praising Addis Ababa’s cleanliness and environmental improvements.

He called for greater public mobilization at all levels, government, community, neighborhood, and village, to ensure not only the planting but also the maintenance of trees.

“We have to mobilize more people. We have to sensitize. We have to push for more involvement, not only at the government level, but at the community
level, at the neighborhoods, at the villages, at the main cities, and then to do what we are doing today,” he underscored.

John Magok, another AU staff member, also lauded Ethiopia’s leadership under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, describing the initiative as a model for African countries such as South Sudan in combating deforestation and promoting clean air.

 

"We are planting for our continent, and we appreciate Ethiopia in leading that. So it could also be a good example for neighboring countries like South Sudan to learn from this example, and it also helped in fighting deforestation and in having clean, green air, he underscored."

Another participant, Moroesi Putsoa, also expressed her determination to join the planting campaign despite a broken arm.

 

“Climate change is close to my heart. This green legacy is something we are leaving for our children and future generations,” she said, recalling similar initiatives from her childhood in Lesotho and encouraging other African nations to adopt Ethiopia’s example.

Addis Ababa City Administration's Community Participation and Voluntarism Coordination Commissioner, Yimer Kebede, on his part, said the participation of our African brothers and sisters in the plating campaign showcases that the initiative is Cross-country.

 

''Today, we planted  the seedlings of Avocado  and other trees, this is for the future generation."

The program aims to plant 7.5 billion trees this rainy season and a total of 54 billion by 2026, which demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to climate action and sustainable development.