Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged world nations to take decisive and practical steps to tackle climate change, which he described as a critical threat demanding urgent action.
Speaking on Friday in Addis Ababa during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), Shettima stressed that the global climate crisis cannot be solved within the confines of conference rooms. He insisted that each country must address its unique ecological challenges with targeted solutions.
“I am delighted to celebrate Ethiopia’s bold commitment to addressing climate change with clarity, courage, and conviction,” he said.
The GLI aims to plant 20 billion tree seedlings over four years to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and reduce the effects of climate change. Shettima praised the programme as a visionary model for global adaptation.
He added, “To plant 20 billion seedlings, build over 20,000 nurseries, and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is proof that the future must be cultivated.”
Representing Nigeria at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s solidarity with Ethiopia and affirmed Nigeria’s support for the initiative. He highlighted that Nigeria and Ethiopia, being Africa’s most populous nations, carry the greatest responsibility in addressing climate risks.
“We are not spectators in this fight,” Shettima stated. “We are partners, participants, and we are ready to play our part in keeping Africa green.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his address, encouraged African countries to embed the Green Legacy as a cultural practice. He praised Nigeria’s participation and stressed the need for home-grown solutions over dependence on foreign aid.
“This year’s theme, ‘Rise by Planting’, reflects our intent to astound the world through our vision. We began without external funding, and with Nigeria’s support, we will further unify African efforts,” Ahmed declared.
He also expressed hope for increased collaboration as Ethiopia prepares to host the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Summit.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima visited Unity Park, the Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, which highlight Ethiopia’s rich historical journey and national pride.