Addis Ababa, April 21, 2025 (FMC) — A tree-planting ceremony was held at the University of Sialkot on Monday as part of the “Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under Green Legacy” initiative.
The event aimed not only to plant various saplings but also to strengthen the bond of brotherhood between Ethiopia and Pakistan, according to a press release from the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad.
The plantation drive was led by Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker Abdula, alongside University of Sialkot Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Khaleeq ur Rehman and Chairman Faisal Manzoor.
Following the plantation, a Climate Forum titled “Fostering Strong Ethio-Pakistan Relations through Green Legacy Partnership” was held. The forum drew inspiration from Ethiopia’s successful Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The event was organized by the University of Sialkot in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy to promote the Green Legacy concept in Pakistan, part of a broader partnership initiated last year.
Speaking to an audience of over 1,000 students and academics, Ambassador Jemal praised the enthusiasm of Pakistani youth toward environmental efforts and invited them to join the Ethiopian Embassy’s clean and green initiatives under the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity program.
“Since its launch in Pakistan in 2023, the Embassy has built partnerships with government institutions, academia, business chambers, and civil society to share Ethiopia’s experience and encourage joint climate action,” he said.
Ambassador Jemal highlighted the achievements of the Green Legacy Initiative, noting that over 40 billion trees, including fruit and fodder species, have been planted across Ethiopia over the past six years. This has contributed significantly to reforestation, job creation in agriculture, and national unity.
He also emphasized Ethiopia’s progress toward a green and resilient economy, with ambitious goals like achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, banning fuel-powered vehicles, and promoting electric mobility under the Green Legacy framework.
“With the same spirit, I’ve launched the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under Green Legacy program in Pakistan to promote brotherhood through joint environmental action,” he added.
USKT’s Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for sharing Ethiopia’s experience, which he said would help mobilize youth for climate action.
The Chairman of USKT also acknowledged the Ambassador’s pivotal role in strengthening Ethiopia-Pakistan ties.
In recognition of his efforts, the University of Sialkot presented Ambassador Jemal with the Best Ambassador Award during the forum.