Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Recognized as Model of Action in Global Fight Against Climate Change

Addis Ababa July 4/2016 (ENA) The Green Legacy Initiative has demonstrated to the world the necessity of practical responses to the climate change challenges facing the planet, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, held a press briefing today, addressing Ethiopia's diplomatic activities, particularly the success of its Green Diplomacy Initiative.

He emphasized that the Green Legacy Initiative is not just a domestic program; it has positioned Ethiopia as a role model in combating environmental degradation and deforestation over the past five years. 

He highlighted that Ethiopia has distributed hundreds of thousands of saplings to neighboring countries, leading regional efforts to mitigate the impact of changing weather conditions and frequent disasters.

Significant progress has been made in integrating the Green Legacy Initiative into regional initiatives, and enhancing the safety of transboundary rivers shared with neighboring countries, he added. 

The initiative has demonstrated that practical actions are needed beyond conferences to effectively combat climate change and has been adopted as a best practice by over 200 countries.

A key topic of the briefing was the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, to Djibouti. 

This visit, the first visit to a neighboring country since his appointment, underscores the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti. 

During the visit, Ambassador Taye engaged in productive discussions with Djibouti's President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssef, covering bilateral and regional issues. 

Agreements were reached to repair and upgrade infrastructure, improve services at the Djibouti Horizon oil terminal, and enhance port services. 

Ambassador Taye also met with his Somali couterpart in Ankara, facilitated by Turkey. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and scheduled a second round of talks for September 2, 2024, in Ankara.

Nebiyu added the return of many members of the diaspora in response to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's call. 

The third phase of the reception program for second-generation diaspora members has begun, aiming to reconnect them with their culture and history while involving them in the upcoming voluntary service activities.