By Adnan Hameed TWA _____ The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad held a press briefing and tree plantation ceremony yesterday. The event, which took place within the embassy's premises, was attended by Jemal Beker, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Romina Khurshid, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, and Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Ambassador Jemal Beker, while addressing the media, emphasized the global threat posed by climate change and highlighted Ethiopia's proactive measures to combat it. He pointed out that Ethiopia has banned fossil fuel vehicles as part of its broader environmental strategy. A key component of these efforts is the Green Legacy Initiative, which has already seen the planting of 39.4 billion seedlings across Ethiopia. The Ambassador announced that an additional 600 million seedlings are being planted today as part of this ongoing campaign.

"Ethiopia is not only increasing its green cover but is also creating jobs and ensuring food security through this initiative," said Ambassador Beker. He also shared Ethiopia's commitment to assisting Pakistan in its climate change efforts, mentioning the establishment of a park in Islamabad to symbolize the growing friendship between the two countries. Additionally, under the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia has undertaken plantation drives in several major Pakistani cities, including Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. CDA Chairman Ali Randhawa lauded the Ethiopian Ambassador's dedication to tackling climate change and called for collaborative efforts to address this global crisis. "We have launched the 'Selfie with Plant' initiative to encourage plantation and are using technology to ensure the survival of trees," Randhawa noted, reaffirming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's commitment to environmental preservation.

Romina Khurshid, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, highlighted the media's crucial role in championing the cause of climate change. She praised the Green Legacy Initiative introduced by Dr. Abiy Ahmed, describing it as a beacon of hope. "Our journey to save the planet began when Ambassador Jemal Beker assumed office in Ethiopia," she said, adding that Pakistan's Green Pakistan Programme, recognized globally, will be further enhanced through collaboration with Ethiopia. The event underscored the strong partnership between Ethiopia and Pakistan in the fight against climate change, with both nations committed to sharing knowledge and resources to combat this pressing issue.