‘Renewal Through Planting’ Launched in Pakistan as Ethiopia and Pakistan Deepen Green Legacy Cooperation

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia and Pakistan have launched a joint initiative on food security with the inauguration of an Ethio-Pakistan plantation and the first-ever Green Legacy Forum held at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad.

The Green Legacy Forum, organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad in collaboration with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, brought together officials, agricultural experts, researchers, and students to explore Ethiopia’s successful green development policies and food system strategies.

The forum was led by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker Abdula, and attended by Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for National Food Security and Research, Amir Mohyuddin, who served as chief guest.

Following the forum, a symbolic tree-planting ceremony took place under this year’s Green Legacy theme, “Renewal Through Planting,” reflecting Ethiopia’s continued efforts to promote environmental renewal and food security.

The theme was launched last month by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as part of the ongoing Green Legacy campaign.

Participants discussed key Ethiopian initiatives including the Green Legacy program and Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of the Basket), highlighting their role in building a climate-resilient food system.

Pakistan commended Ethiopia’s remarkable achievement of planting over 40.5 billion seedlings in just six years, resulting in a 23.6% increase in forest coverage.

Ambassador Jemal Beker expressed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to working closely with Pakistan to enhance food security through shared strategies and experiences. In response, the Federal Secretary proposed linking Ethiopia’s Green Legacy with Pakistan’s Green Pakistan program to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research.

A new Green Legacy Park symbolizing Ethio-Pakistan friendship was also inaugurated at the event, where participants from both countries planted seedlings as a gesture of unity and shared environmental stewardship.