LAHORE; The Parks & Horticulture Authority (PHA) Punjab and the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad jointly organized the Ethiopia–Pakistan Green Dialogue: Lessons from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy at a local hotel in Lahore, aiming to promote green culture, innovation, and sustainable solutions against climate change in the Global South.
Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin attended the event as chief guest, while Secretary Forests Muddassir Riaz Malik, DG PHA Naheed Gul Baloch, and FPCCI Vice President Zaki Aijaz were present as guests of honor. A high-level Ethiopian delegation also joined, alongside Pakistani officials, diplomats, climate experts, academics, youth, and civil society representatives.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula of Ethiopia, presiding over the session with DG PHA Mansoor Ahmad, highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, under which over 41.2 billion seedlings have been planted under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He said the initiative not only enhanced forest cover but also addressed food insecurity, soil erosion, poverty, and unemployment.
“Pakistan is among the worst victims of climate change despite its negligible role in global emissions. Ethiopia stands firmly with Pakistan in this fight,” the envoy emphasized, thanking Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for supporting the dialogue.
The DG PHA noted the event reflected Punjab’s commitment to sustainable modernization, while FPCCI Vice President lauded the initiative as a timely step to address climate challenges.
The event also featured Green Legacy Awards, a mass tree plantation drive, and a panel discussion on sustainable environmental strategies. Experts from both sides shared models of community engagement, policy frameworks, and innovative solutions for climate resilience and ecological restoration.
