In a world increasingly threatened by the intensifying impacts of climate change, Ethiopia has emerged as a beacon of environmental resilience and green ambition. This was powerfully reaffirmed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his address at the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, held recently in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Attended by global dignitaries and leaders from over 40 countries, the summit offered an international platform for nations to showcase their commitment to sustainable development. Prime Minister Abiy seized the moment not only to highlight Ethiopia’s own achievements but also to advocate for a collective global response, particularly in support of vulnerable nations disproportionately affected by climate change.
At the heart of his message was a clarion call for “tangible, targeted support” to countries that face the harshest climate realities. This appeal was more than diplomatic rhetoric—it was anchored in Ethiopia’s lived experience and exemplary action. As the Prime Minister rightly emphasized, Ethiopia has aligned its national strategies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, charting an ambitious path toward net-zero emissions and climate resilience.
This ambition is not confined to policy documents. It is deeply rooted in the daily efforts of millions of Ethiopians through transformative initiatives such as the Green Legacy program. Launched in 2019, this groundbreaking campaign has seen the planting of over 40 billion seedlings—making it the largest afforestation initiative in the world. Millions of citizens are mobilized each year, showcasing not only the scale of the project but also the depth of public engagement in Ethiopia’s environmental mission.
The Green Legacy initiative has far-reaching implications. Beyond expanding forest cover, it contributes to restoring degraded landscapes, conserving vital water and soil resources, and even bolstering food and nutritional security through the promotion of fruit-bearing plants. It is a holistic approach that ties ecological preservation with human development—an ethos that other nations would do well to emulate.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s renewable energy strategy reinforces its stature as a leader in sustainable development. With 98 percent of its electricity already generated from renewable sources—primarily hydropower, wind, and solar—the country is blazing a trail in clean energy transition. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a cornerstone of this strategy, not only powers domestic industries and households but also promises regional benefits, underscoring Ethiopia’s role as a green powerhouse in the Horn of Africa.
The GERD stands as a testament to what climate-conscious infrastructure can achieve—social, economic, and environmental progress hand in hand. It is a model of how nations can pursue development without compromising the health of the planet.
Ethiopia’s green journey is not without challenges. Yet, what makes the country’s narrative compelling is its unwavering resolve to turn challenges into opportunities. From mobilizing communities at the grassroots to positioning itself as a thought leader on global platforms, Ethiopia is proving that climate leadership is not the preserve of the wealthy and industrialized but a calling that any committed nation can rise to.
In short, as global leaders digest the outcomes of the P4G Summit, Ethiopia’s message resonates clearly: Practical, inclusive climate action is not a future aspiration—it is a present reality. And Ethiopia, under Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership, is at the forefront of that reality.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 APRIL 2025
