Addis Ababa, July 1, 2026 (FMC) — Ambassadors and senior diplomats who participated in a tree-planting program at Entoto Park on the outskirts of Addis Ababa on Tuesday praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, describing it as a far-reaching environmental campaign that contributes to ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and global efforts to combat climate change.
Ambassadors representing the European Union, Israel and Romania, along with the Head of Mission of the Sultanate of Oman, said the nationwide initiative has evolved into a model for climate action with relevance extending beyond Ethiopia.
Launched in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has continued to gather momentum across the country while attracting growing international recognition as Ethiopia intensifies efforts to restore degraded landscapes, expand forest cover, and address the impacts of climate change.
As part of their continued support for the initiative, members of the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa joined this year’s annual tree-planting campaign.
European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia Sofie From-Emmesberger said the Green Legacy Initiative carries broad environmental significance, noting that expanding forest cover strengthens ecosystems and enhances resilience to climate change.
She said the initiative also complements Ethiopia’s broader transition toward green development, highlighting ongoing cooperation with international partners in renewable energy and sustainable development, including Denmark, with additional support expected from France and the European Union.
While describing the campaign as ambitious and forward-looking, Ambassador From-Emmesberger emphasized the importance of sustained commitment, noting that the environmental benefits of the trees will become more evident as they mature over time.
She said the participation of diplomats demonstrates international solidarity and a shared multilateral commitment to tackling climate change.
The ambassador also underscored the urgency of collective climate action, pointing to recent extreme heat experienced in Europe and stressing that climate change transcends national borders.
Looking ahead to Ethiopia’s hosting of the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) next year, she said the country is well positioned to play an important role in advancing the global climate agenda.
Israel’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, said the Green Legacy Initiative is significant not only for Ethiopia but for the global community, emphasizing that climate change is a shared challenge requiring collective action.
He commended Ethiopia for demonstrating leadership through the initiative and praised its well-organized implementation, as reported by local news agency ENA.
Drawing on Israel’s own environmental experience, Ambassador Neguise said his country had transformed large areas from arid landscapes into greener environments through sound policy, long-term planning, and sustained commitment, adding that the diplomats’ participation in the tree-planting program represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen international cooperation on environmental protection.
Romania’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Julia Pataki, described her participation in the event as both meaningful and inspiring, saying the Green Legacy Initiative goes beyond planting trees to restoring ecosystems and protecting nature.
She stressed the importance of encouraging similar environmental efforts at national, continental, and global levels to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Oman’s Head of Mission to Ethiopia, Afkar Al Farsi, said he was proud to join the diplomats’ tree-planting program, commending Ethiopia for planting billions of seedlings to restore ecosystems and preserve the natural environment.
He noted that Ethiopia’s efforts make an important contribution to mitigating global warming and addressing the impacts of climate change.
The Head of Mission added that Oman stands in support of Ethiopia’s environmental initiatives while implementing similar projects at home, including a national campaign to plant one billion palm trees.