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Addis Ababa, November 12, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global forest and climate action, presenting the achievements of its Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen more than 56 billion seedlings planted since 2019, while emphasising the importance of forests in strengthening climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods and creating green jobs.

The commitment was reaffirmed by Minister of National Strategy Bereket Fesehatsion, who delivered Ethiopia’s remarks at the COP31 Leaders’ Event on “Forests and Climate Action: The Contribution of Forests to Addressing Climate Change” in Antalya, Türkiye.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the Green Legacy Initiative, Bereket underscored the contribution of forests beyond environmental restoration, particularly their role in supporting climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods and expanding green employment opportunities.

As the incoming host of COP32, Ethiopia also emphasised the need for stronger international partnerships, increased investment and collective action to accelerate forest landscape restoration and achieve the global 2030 goal of halting and reversing deforestation.

The country’s position at the event reflects its commitment to making forest restoration and climate action integral to global efforts to address climate change, while advancing cooperation towards a more sustainable future.