Diplomats Hail Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as Global Model for Climate Action

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries have praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as an exemplary model for addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.

They also described the initiative as a significant contribution to global climate solutions.

As climate change continues to pose one of the most pressing challenges facing the world, Ethiopia has embarked on an ambitious environmental restoration effort through the Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019.

Now entering its eighth year, the initiative has delivered notable results through nationwide tree-planting campaigns aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, expanding forest coverage, improving environmental sustainability and strengthening climate resilience.

Stakeholders have highlighted that the initiative’s impact extends beyond environmental protection, it was learned.

Report show that the Green Legacy Initiative is contributing to agricultural productivity, ecosystem restoration and the creation of healthier and more sustainable communities.

Having planted more than 48 billion tree seedlings in recent years, Ethiopia has launched this year’s campaign under the theme “Let Us Plant Our Hope,” with a target of planting an additional 8 billion seedlings during the 2026 rainy season.

Speaking to ENA, diplomats commended Ethiopia’s commitment to green development, describing the Green Legacy Initiative as an inspiring example for countries seeking practical solutions to the global climate crisis.

The Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, said Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and its large-scale tree-planting efforts are highly significant, particularly as climate change affects countries across the globe.

He noted that Ethiopia is demonstrating leadership by advancing climate action from Africa, emphasizing that environmental challenges require collective global responses.

“Climate change is a global phenomenon affecting the entire world, and Ethiopia is taking a leading role, particularly from the African continent,” he said.

Similarly, Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Representative in Ethiopia, Basit Saleem Shah, highlighted the initiative’s contribution to creating a cleaner environment.

He further revealed that the Green Legacy works are enhancing Ethiopia’s natural beauty and development prospects.

Shah added that the Initiative has strengthened Ethiopia’s efforts to promote a pollution-free environment, improve urban greenery and create a more attractive destination for visitors, investors and businesses.

“The Green Legacy has added a beautiful charm to Ethiopia by developing a green environment and promoting a pollution-free atmosphere,” he said, appreciating the efforts of the Ethiopian people and government in achieving remarkable progress within a short period.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nirmala Paranavitana, described Ethiopia’s green development approach as a visionary initiative, noting its role in supporting economic growth alongside environmental sustainability.

She said Sri Lanka is exploring opportunities to collaborate with Ethiopia in green development, recognizing that environmental initiatives can go hand in hand with trade and economic expansion.

“Green Legacy works in parallel with trade and economic expansion in a country. It is very important that Ethiopia adopted this initiative, and Sri Lanka would be willing to join hands in this sector,” she said.

The ambassador further emphasized that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative contributes to global climate strategies and supports international efforts to achieve climate action goals.

Launched to combat climate change, restore ecosystems and enhance sustainable development, Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative has become one of the world’s largest national tree-planting and environmental restoration programs, drawing growing international recognition for its scale and ambition.