ISLAMABAD, July 31: In an important step towards international climate cooperation, Pakistan on Thursday joined hands with Ethiopia in a global campaign to plant 700 million trees in a single day, under the “Renewal Through Planting” initiative of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme.

The campaign was part of Ethiopia’s broader environmental vision launched in 2019, by Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed to combat deforestation, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development.

To mark Pakistan’s participation in this environmental initiative, the Ethiopian embassy in Islamabad hosted a joint plantation drive and media briefing.

The event drew a wide array of participants, including senior government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, religious leaders, and media personnel.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik was the chief guest on the occasion. Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated as the guest of honor.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Jemal Beker Abdula, welcomed the dignitaries and elaborated on the goals of the Green Legacy Initiative.

In his address, Ambassador Beker said the campaign aimed to restore ecological balance, reduce carbon emissions, mitigate soil erosion, and build climate resilience across Ethiopia.

He lauded Pakistan’s participation as a powerful expression of solidarity and commitment to global climate action. He also announced the forthcoming visit of a high-level Ethiopian delegation to Pakistan for climate-focused engagements, including “green dialogues” and plantation campaigns.

Dr Musadik Malik praised the Ethiopian government’s bold environmental vision and commended Ambassador Beker for his consistent efforts to promote green values in Pakistan.

Highlighting the importance of justice in climate action, the minister described environmental harm as a form of injustice with long-term repercussions.

“Destroying our environment is stealing from future generations,” said Dr Malik. “If we do not act decisively, our children may grow up in a world without fireflies, starlit skies, or fresh air.”

The minister also announced the launch of a nationwide plantation drive in August, where the ministry will provide free saplings to the public to encourage mass participation in ecosystem restoration efforts.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to collective climate action, Dr Malik underscored that learning from Ethiopia’s success under the Green Legacy Initiative could help shape Pakistan’s own afforestation strategies.

He further welcomed Ethiopia’s invitation to the upcoming Africa Climate Summit in September 2025.

The event concluded with a symbolic plantation ceremony at the Ethiopian embassy, representing not only a bond between two nations but also a shared promise to protect the planet.

Representatives from both countries reiterated their pledge to work together for a greener, more sustainable, and equitable future through cross-border collaboration, afforestation, and ecological restoration.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025