ISLAMABAD — The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is turning to Ethiopia’s homegrown climate resilience strategies as a model for advancing clean, green, and sustainable development across the country.
A key meeting on this collaboration took place between Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Ethiopia’s Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary, and Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Masood Malik at the Ministry of Climate Change in Islamabad.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula emphasized Ethiopia’s leadership on the global climate and food security agenda, highlighting the country’s internationally acclaimed efforts in environmental restoration, soil and water conservation, sustainable urban development, and food self-sufficiency.
He attributed these successes to the Medemer philosophy of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, which emphasizes intergenerational knowledge, ecological balance, and a green-value-driven culture.
Among Ethiopia’s major initiatives is the Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 40.5 billion seedlings—including fruits, vegetables, and fodder—with an 85% survival rate, expanding national forest cover by 23.6% and strengthening food security.
Dr. Abdula also spotlighted programs like “Yelamat Tirufat” (Bounty of Basket) and Corridor Development, both focused on building a climate-resilient economy. He expressed Ethiopia’s willingness to share its success stories with Pakistan and confirmed that the Green Legacy Initiative is already being introduced in Pakistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change.
The initiative will engage Parliamentarians, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, youth, civil society, and the business community.
Minister Dr. Musadik Malik praised Ethiopia’s remarkable environmental and economic progress, calling the achievements “very impressive.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest in learning from Ethiopia’s model to build ecological security, particularly to improve agricultural productivity.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, while asserting the government’s commitment to turning this challenge into an opportunity.
The Minister commended Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula for his continued support of green initiatives in Pakistan.