Ethiopian Youth Team Departs for Pakistan to Share Green Legacy Initiative Experience

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (ENA) -- The first group of youth, who share Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative experience with Pakistan under the "Planting Brotherhood" program, departed for Pakistan.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Adwa Victory Museum, Prosperity Party Youth Wing President Aklilu Tadesse said the first youth delegation, beginning with Pakistan, will continue the planting program in seven countries shortly.

 

The group will promote Ethiopia’s green development model while fostering people-to-people ties, he added.

Pakistan's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Atif Sharif Mian, praised Ethiopia’s achievements in environmental restoration, saying Pakistan has much to learn from the Ethiopian initiative.

Noting that the two countries face similar environmental challenges and share strong agricultural sectors, he pointed out opportunities for collaboration in climate change adaptation, reforestation, and climate-resilient agriculture.

 

“Ethiopia’s experience in restoring degraded lands is exemplary,” the ambassador said, adding that “Pakistan is ready to share its technological expertise in Agriculture and sustainable farming.”

Women and Social Affairs State Minister Muna Ahmed said the outreach will strengthen global cooperation on environmental protection and deepen bilateral relations.

The youth delegation to Pakistan aims to enhance Ethiopia’s international image and strengthen ties with host nations, alongside tree planting activities, she added.

 

Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy Initiative is one of the world’s largest tree-planting campaigns.

It has planted over 40 billion seedlings in Ethiopia in the last six years and has been recognized as a model for climate action, food security, and sustainable development.

This year, Ethiopia set a new record by planting over 714.7 million seedlings in a single day, contributing to its target of 7.5 billion trees during the current rainy season.

The campaign has attracted Ethiopians and foreign nationals alike, with previous cross-border efforts involving Ethiopian youth planting seedlings in neighboring countries.