Addis Ababa, July 11, 2026 (FMC) — Delegates attending the International Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum have joined Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, planting tree seedlings at the compound of the House of People’s Representatives in Addis Ababa in a symbolic gesture of commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The tree-planting activity brought together members of the international delegation, including Robert Pittenger, Founder and Chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum, alongside Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Tagesse Chafo and Deputy Speaker Lomi Bedo.
By taking part in the initiative, the delegates demonstrated solidarity with Ethiopia’s nationwide efforts to restore degraded landscapes, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
The two-day forum, hosted by Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives, has brought together lawmakers, intelligence leaders, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations from across the world to discuss evolving global security challenges.
The gathering also features heads of intelligence and security institutions, senior cybersecurity specialists, representatives of international financial institutions, and technology companies, with discussions focusing on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and promoting collective responses to emerging security threats.
Ethiopia was selected to host the high-level forum in recognition of its growing diplomatic role in Africa’s peace and security architecture, as well as its expanding engagement in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technology governance.
The country is the second African nation after Kenya to host the international event.
According to the House of People’s Representatives, the program extends beyond discussions on security and public policy by providing participants with an opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s practical approach to climate action through the Green Legacy Initiative.
Launched in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has become one of the world’s largest national reforestation and ecosystem restoration programs. Since its inception, Ethiopia has planted more than 48 billion tree seedlings nationwide.
As part of the 2026 Green Legacy campaign, Ethiopia aims to plant more than 8 billion seedlings during the current rainy season, reaffirming its commitment to environmental restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and global efforts to combat climate change.