Green Legacy is part of nation-building for a better tomorrow – PM Abiy
Addis Ababa, June 27, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has underscored that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is a central component of the country’s nation-building efforts, aimed at shaping a better future through environmental restoration, food sovereignty, and inclusive public engagement.
The Prime Minister made this statement while officially launching the 2025 Green Legacy planting season Friday evening in Addis Ababa in the presence of the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from all walks of life.
This year’s campaign is being carried out under the theme “Renewal Through Planting”, with a national target of planting 7.5 billion saplings.
In his message, Prime Minister Abiy stated that Ethiopia has carried out exemplary work through the Green Legacy Program by mobilizing and coordinating millions of citizens across the country.
He emphasized that the program has become a practical tool for engaging the public in national development, while also fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
He pointed out that the voluntary participation of citizens from all walks of life has demonstrated the program’s strong potential for inclusiveness, making it a uniquely Ethiopian model of environmental action. Beyond ecological restoration, the Green Legacy has created new opportunities for ensuring Ethiopia’s food sovereignty by promoting sustainable land use and planting practices.
According to the Prime Minister, this national endeavor carries lessons for Africa at large—not only in achieving food self-sufficiency, but also in developing the capacity to contribute to the food needs of others.
He further noted that Ethiopia’s efforts to address food security and environmental protection have gained international recognition.
As an indication of this growing recognition, he mentioned Ethiopia’s role as host of the upcoming 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) and the 2nd Africa Climate Change Conference, both of which will be held in Addis Ababa later this year.
The Prime Minister also stressed the responsibility of the current generation to break from past challenges and contribute to building a stronger Ethiopia for future generations.
In this context, he described the Green Legacy Program as a national undertaking that reflects the collective will of citizens to contribute to long-term progress.
He concluded by calling on all Ethiopians to actively participate in the planting season beginning tomorrow, by planting saplings in their respective areas as part of the broader Green Footprint campaign.