ISLAMABAD – Ethiopia and Pakistan have taken a historic step in strengthening food security and climate resilience by hosting the first Green Legacy Forum in Islamabad.
The event, jointly organized by the Ethiopian Embassy and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, brought together agriculture experts, researchers, and students to discuss sustainable solutions for combating hunger and environmental degradation.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula highlighted how Ethiopia’s Green Legacy and Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of Basket) initiatives have transformed the country into a food-self-sufficient nation.
“Through mass afforestation, reforestation, and community-led farming initiatives, Ethiopia has planted over 40.5 billion seedlings in just six years,” he noted, adding that forest cover had increased from 17% to 23%, while crop and livestock productivity soared.
Shared Vision for a Greener Future
Federal Secretary Amir Mohyuddin praised Ethiopia’s model of community-driven environmental restoration, expressing interest in replicating its successful approach under Pakistan’s Green Pakistan Initiative.
He suggested joint research programs, capacity building, and participatory forest management, especially for areas prone to soil erosion, floods, and water scarcity.
Planting Seeds of Friendship
The event concluded with the inauguration of the Green Legacy Park at NARC, where the Ethiopian Ambassador and Federal Secretary planted fruit trees as a symbol of deepening bilateral ties.
DG NARC Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan emphasized that climate change, food insecurity, and poverty require global collaboration, urging more countries to share their best practices and technology for sustainable agriculture.
This initiative paves the way for closer Ethiopia-Pakistan cooperation in agriculture, food security, and climate-smart practices, offering hope for a greener and more food-secure future.