"We will amaze the world by reaching our 65 billion seedling planting goal next year," declared Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that dedicated efforts are underway to raise the number of seedlings planted under the Green Legacy Initiative to 65 billion by next year. Noting that over 48 billion seedlings have been planted in the last seven years alone, the Prime Minister explained that this immense success, which has astounded the world, created a historic opportunity for Ethiopia to host a global climate change summit.
The Prime Minister stated that the international community has fully recognized Ethiopia as the only country to have planted 48 billion seedlings through voluntary public participation and high-level collaboration. He noted that the result of this grand endeavor has provided the opportunity for 70,000 to 80,000 international guests to visit Ethiopia for the major summit.
He further disclosed that more than 8 billion seedlings are set to be planted this year alone, and efforts are being intensified to bring the total number of seedlings to over 56 billion in the near future. The Prime Minister issued a strong national call for every citizen to actively participate in fulfilling this grand national and continental vision. He urged that tree planting should become a routine practice in all social and religious events.
He provided guidance that any public gathering, including those involving graduates, newlyweds, youth, women, and the elderly, should commence with the planting of seedlings. Furthermore, he noted that prayers held in and around mosques and churches are more acceptable to the Creator when accompanied by the protection of nature and the planting of seedlings.
The Prime Minister concluded by requesting that all Ethiopians come out in full force during the upcoming rainy season to plant seeds of hope for the country and future generations, once again adorning Ethiopia in green, and collectively writing a new development history that inspires not only Africa but the entire world.
