Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Inspiration for Different Nations: Colombian Ambassador

Addis Ababa, March 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Green Legacy is a great initiative that inspires nations and leaders, Colombia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Yeison Arcadio Meneses Copete, said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Ambassador stated that the Green Legacy policy led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is a great initiative.

“The Green Legacy, the policy implemented by or led by the Prime Minister, we see it as a great effort, as a great initiative and inspiration for different nations, different leaders as well. So, we can get all involved because it is not a matter of government, it is a matter of also citizens.”

 

According to him, it is however important that leaders tell or convey the message of the challenges being faced with climate change to citizens “so that each one of us as citizens, leaders, politicians and scholars get involved in different initiatives.”

It is important that all get involved in different initiatives that contribute to the overcoming of different kinds of challenges, Ambassador Copete stressed.

Launched in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Green Legacy initiative has mobilized the nation to plant over 48 billion seedlings, fostering ecological restoration, strengthening food security, and enhancing biodiversity.  

The initiative is a massive reforestation and environmental restoration campaign that serves as a powerful African-led example of climate action designed to reduce carbon emissions and build climate resilience.

 

Regarding Ethiopia’s selection to host the global COP32 summit and Colombia’s experience in hosting COP16, Ambassador Copete said it is a good opportunity to share experiences as Ethiopia will have the COP32.  

For the Ambassador, it is a good opportunity to collaborate, to work together, to share Colombia’s last year experience, and to realize the vision of Ethiopia for these new challenges.  

In 2024“, Colombia had the COP16, and now we realize that Ethiopia will have the COP 32. We expect to work together in this experience Colombia had, and the vision of Ethiopia for these new challenges,” he added.

Ethiopia was selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027.

The decision was finalized during the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, where Ethiopia received unanimous endorsement from the African Group of Climate Change Negotiators after a competitive bidding process.   

 

This selection reflects Ethiopia's growing role in global climate diplomacy and highlights key aspects of African climate leaders, marking a major milestone for African climate leadership as well. 

The recognition stems from the success of the Green Legacy initiative and the nation's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.

Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is a transformative environmental campaign aimed at combating climate change, deforestation, and land degradation by planting billions of trees.