Outgoing UN Coordinator Lauds Ethiopia’s Rapid Progress and Landmark Green Legacy Initiative

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2025 (FMC) — President Taye Atske-Selassie today received outgoing United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Ramiz Alakbarov, for a farewell meeting marking the end of his two-year tenure in the country.

The meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on the robust and longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and the United Nations, and to reaffirm their shared commitment to continued cooperation in support of national development and humanitarian goals.

President Taye expressed deep appreciation for Alakbarov’s contributions, praising his leadership in enhancing Ethiopia–UN collaboration during a pivotal period.

He commended the UN official for his unwavering support in advancing Ethiopia’s priorities across key sectors.

Alakbarov described his experience in Ethiopia as both meaningful and inspiring, emphasizing the remarkable progress the country has achieved in recent years.

“In the past two years I’ve spent in Ethiopia, I’ve witnessed extraordinary transformation,” he said. “Addis Ababa and regional cities have seen significant improvements, particularly through the city corridor development projects, which are reshaping the way urban centers function.”

He also highlighted Ethiopia’s environmental leadership, singling out the Green Legacy Initiative as an unparalleled global example. “I was especially impressed by what may be the world’s largest environmental initiative. I have never seen any other country where billions of trees are planted with such vision and determination.”

Looking ahead, Alakbarov reaffirmed the UN’s continued commitment to Ethiopia’s development.

He noted the recent signing of a five-year strategic cooperation framework, designed to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“I was honored to sign this plan just a few weeks ago,” he said. “Valued at six billion U.S. dollars, it focuses on five transformative pillars and will serve as a foundation for our partnership over the coming years.”

The outgoing UN official concluded by expressing confidence in Ethiopia’s trajectory and underscored the UN’s enduring support for the country’s humanitarian and development endeavors — amid what he described as remarkable progress in urban and environmental development.