Sialkot, April 21, 2025: The University of Sialkot (USKT) hosted a tree plantation ceremony on Monday as part of the “Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under Green Legacy” initiative, symbolizing not just environmental stewardship, but a growing bond between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
The event was led by Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of Ethiopia, alongside Dr. M. Khaleeq ur Rehman, Vice Chancellor of USKT, and Faisal Manzoor, Chairman of USKT. Together, they planted saplings of various species, sowing the seeds of environmental awareness and international friendship.
Following the plantation, a Climate Forum titled “Fostering Strong Ethio-Pakistan Relations through Green Legacy Partnership” brought together over 1,000 students and academics. The forum drew inspiration from Ethiopia’s renowned Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, which has become a global model for climate action.
Organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, the event is part of an ongoing partnership between the embassy and USKT, established in 2023 to promote shared climate goals.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Dr. Jemal praised the active participation of Pakistani youth in environmental initiatives and extended an invitation for them to join the embassy’s clean and green efforts under the Ethio-Pakistan Green Legacy Programme.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s environmental achievements under the Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen the plantation of over 40 billion saplings—including trees, fruit-bearing plants, and cattle fodder—over the past six years. This massive effort has not only advanced reforestation and afforestation but also created significant employment opportunities in the agriculture sector, while fostering national unity.
Dr. Jemal also shared Ethiopia’s broader climate strategy, which includes a transition to a green and sustainable economy with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Measures such as banning fuel-powered cars and promoting electric vehicles have been key components of this vision.
“In the same spirit, we have launched the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under Green Legacy Programme to deepen our people-to-people and climate cooperation,” the Ambassador emphasized.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Khaleeq ur Rehman thanked the Ambassador for sharing Ethiopia’s green success story, expressing confidence that it would inspire USKT students to take meaningful climate action. Chairman Faisal Manzoor also commended the Ambassador’s pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations and praised the long-standing collaboration between USKT and the Ethiopian Embassy.
In recognition of his contributions, USKT presented Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula with the Best Ambassador Award during the forum, acknowledging his efforts in strengthening ties between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Pakistan.
