Planting Tree Is Planting Hope for Future Generations, Says PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —Trees symbolize hope and the current reforestation efforts carried out through the Green Legacy Initiative are investments in the future of Ethiopia’s children, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said today.

A nationwide 800-million seedlings planting campaign for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year, held under the theme "Planting Hope," has been underway since early this morning.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has joined the campaign by planting seedlings on the campus of the Artificial Intelligence University.

On the occasion, the premier said "we are covering Ethiopia with vegetation and planting hope with the intention of handing over a better future to our children".

PM Abiy stressed that the Green Legacy Initiative serves as a compelling demonstration of how  united people can successfully build a nation.

 

He further noted that Ethiopians have been relentlessly planting trees throughout the rainy seasons to make the country green and achieve lasting environmental transformation.

The overarching goal of this national effort is to realize the vision of a prosperous, radiant, transformed, growing, and civilized Ethiopia, the premier elaborated.

Such grand national ambitions can only be achieved by laying solid foundations, PM Abiy stated, emphasizing that ecological foundation-building means protecting soil, water resources, and mountainous terrain.

Describing the ongoing tree planting campaign as a direct investment in future generations, he said this historic endeavor is being driven through collective effort and shared purpose.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Ethiopia’s environmental conservation and green growth initiatives have earned widespread international acclaim, with numerous countries striving to replicate Ethiopia's model.

 

As a result, governments have not only commended Ethiopia’s progress through awards but also selected Ethiopia to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP32).

The COP32 is the big conference that will bring together 80,000 to 100,000 delegates and at least 100 heads of state and government, he added.

PM Abiy recalled that neither Ethiopia nor any other Sub-Saharan African nation has previously hosted an international summit of this scale.

 

The forum will provide a global stage for Ethiopia to present its green, thriving, and hopeful image, share practical expertise, and secure substantial economic and diplomatic dividends, he emphasized.

In preparation for hosting COP32, Ethiopia will intensify year-round construction, planting, and urban beautification efforts, serving as proof of what united people can build.

 

The Prime Minister concluded by calling on Ethiopians to maintain their joint commitment to achieving the national environmental goals.