By James Vusi
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has officially launched this year’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), setting an ambitious target of planting a staggering 7.5 billion tree seedlings across the nation under the theme “Renewal Through Planting.” The initiative, described by the Prime Minister as an “integral part of Ethiopia’s nation state building efforts,” aims to foster unity, inclusivity, and collective action for a brighter future.
Joining the Prime Minister at the launch ceremony were Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria, along with a distinguished gathering of diplomatic dignitaries and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative’s remarkable success in uniting millions of citizens in a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. He emphasized the broad public participation that has characterized the program, positioning it as a pivotal force in national renewal and a testament to a forward-looking vision for future generations.
“The voluntary efforts of millions of Ethiopians through the Green Legacy Initiative program have showcased the power of synergy, making the program both monumental and distinctive,” the Prime Minister stated. He underscored that the initiative transcends simple reforestation, portraying it as a people-centered movement driving national development, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience.
Beyond its environmental objectives, the GLI has also cultivated significant potential for ensuring food sovereignty within the country. Prime Minister Abiy noted that Ethiopia’s experience in this regard offers a valuable lesson for the wider African continent, not only in achieving food self-sufficiency but also in becoming a beacon of support for other nations.
He further pointed to Ethiopia’s growing international recognition for its efforts in food sovereignty and environmental protection, citing the recent co-hosting of a food systems conference with the United Nations in Addis Ababa, and the African Climate Change Conference, both of which acknowledged Ethiopia’s achievements.
The Prime Minister stressed the responsibility of the current generation to transform Ethiopia’s challenging past and diligently build a better nation for posterity. In this context, he reiterated that the GLI is an “integral part of the nation-building process, being carried out collectively by all citizens without exception.”
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy issued a call to action, urging all Ethiopians to actively participate in the program by planting trees in their respective communities. The success of the 7.5 billion seedling target hinges on this widespread engagement, reinforcing the initiative’s core message of collective responsibility and national progress.
