Addis Ababa, August 9, 2025 – The African Union (AU) Staff Association has praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) as a leading example for tackling climate change.
Nouhou Thiam, President of the AU Staff Association, spoke highly of the initiative during a tree planting event in Yeka Sub-City. He noted Ethiopia’s efforts in promoting a “green legacy” as both impressive and inspiring.
In a remarkable achievement, Ethiopia set a new record by planting 714.7 million seedlings in a single day on July 31, 2025. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the collective effort, saying, “Once again, Ethiopians have proven that incredible things happen when we come together.” This widespread participation included community members, organizations, and international partners.
Thiam emphasized the GLI as a vital national tradition, saying it “is transforming the landscape of Ethiopia, rewriting history, and reshaping the face of the world.” The initiative is a clear demonstration of Ethiopia’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering a healthier environment.
This ambitious program continues throughout the country, with tree planting activities conducted by AU staff. Thiam shared that trees bring numerous benefits, including improving human well-being and regulating the environment. He also highlighted the urgent need for increased tree planting globally, noting the alarming rise in extreme weather events such as cyclones and wildfires.
Thiam urged for greater public involvement at all levels, stressing that everyone, from government to local communities, plays a role in maintaining the health of these new trees. He underlined the need for public awareness and engagement, stating, “We need to push for more involvement at every level.”
Supporters of the initiative include John Magok, who described Ethiopia’s actions as a model for countries like South Sudan. He pointed out how such efforts can significantly combat deforestation and improve air quality. Another participant, Moroesi Putsoa, showed commitment to the cause, saying climate change is “close to her heart” and recalling similar initiatives in her childhood.
As part of broader climate goals, Ethiopia aims to plant 7.5 billion trees this rainy season and a total of 54 billion by 2026. This ambitious plan showcases the country’s dedication to sustainable development. Experts believe initiatives like the GLI could set a precedent for other nations in Africa, demonstrating that collective action can yield significant environmental benefits.
The drive towards a greener future highlights the urgent global need for similar efforts. According to a recent UN report, global tree cover loss reached nearly 10 million hectares per year from 2015 to 2020. Initiatives like the GLI are essential to reverse these trends and promote ecological health worldwide.
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