A Green Revolution Takes Root: Ethiopia Hosts Global Leaders at Pivotal UN Food Systems Summit
The heart of Africa beats with a message of hope as Addis Ababa proudly hosts the 2nd United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+2). In a truly inspiring opening ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a distinguished assembly of heads of state and high-level delegates from across the globe, not merely to discuss, but to plant the seeds of a resilient future. This powerful act of collective tree planting extended Ethiopia's globally acclaimed "Green Legacy" initiative to the very core of international dialogue on food security.
The Summit: Charting a Course Towards a Hunger-Free, Sustainable World
Co-convened by Ethiopia and Italy, the UNFSS+2 (running from July 27-29, 2025) is far more than a conference; it is a critical global checkpoint. Four years after the transformative 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, this gathering is designed to:
- Ignite Acceleration: To reignite the momentum and accelerate tangible actions needed to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a sharp focus on eradicating hunger (SDG 2).
- Bridge the Implementation Gap: To scrutinize the progress made, identify persistent bottlenecks, and unlock the investments necessary for scaling sustainable food solutions.
- Showcase Country-Level Innovation: To highlight groundbreaking national pathways and best practices, particularly from nations navigating complex challenges like conflict and climate vulnerability.
- Foster Accountability & Collaboration: To strengthen mechanisms that hold both governments and non-state actors responsible for their commitments, fostering unprecedented collaboration across sectors.
The very air in Addis Ababa is charged with the collective ambition to forge food systems that are not only sustainable and inclusive but also capable of withstanding the shocks of climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical strife.
Ethiopia's "Green Legacy": Cultivating a Nation, Inspiring a Continent
At the emotional core of the summit's launch was the tree-planting ceremony, a vivid representation of Ethiopia's groundbreaking "Green Legacy" – a movement that has transformed landscapes and lives. More than a mere reforestation program, it's a profound vision for national renewal and self-sufficiency.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed captured its essence: "Green Legacy is part of nation-building for a better tomorrow."
- A Billions-Strong Impact: Since its launch in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has mobilized millions of ordinary citizens to plant an staggering over 32 billion seedlings, with an ambitious target of 47.5 billion by the close of 2025. This Herculean effort has dramatically boosted Ethiopia's forest cover from 17.2% in 2019 to a remarkable 23.6% by 2023, a testament to unparalleled national mobilization.
- Harvesting Food Security & Prosperity: The initiative extends far beyond environmental restoration. By incorporating fruit-bearing trees like avocados and mangoes, it directly tackles food insecurity, diversifies diets, and empowers rural communities. It has cultivated over 120,000 nurseries, igniting economic activity and creating over 767,000 vital jobs, particularly for women and youth. Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria lauded it as a "game-changer" and urged other African nations to "emulate Ethiopia's Green Legacy initiative", recognizing its dual impact on ecology and economy.
- A Shield Against Climate Change: The Green Legacy stands as Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to combating the climate crisis, reversing land degradation, and bolstering biodiversity. It's a living model for climate resilience, demonstrating how a nation can proactively secure its future.
In his poignant message, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the collective act of planting with world leaders at the summit "underscores the primary role of protection and environmental stewardship in building a resilient and sustainable food system that is impervious to challenges."
A Global Partnership Rooted in Shared Vision
The joint hosting of UNFSS+2 by Ethiopia and Italy is a testament to shared ambition and a strategic partnership for global well-being.
- Ethiopia's Ascendant Role: By hosting this pivotal summit, Ethiopia solidifies its position as a leading voice for sustainable development and food sovereignty on the African continent and beyond. It's an opportunity for Addis Ababa to showcase its national triumphs and inspire adaptive solutions worldwide.
- Italy's Deepened Commitment: For Italy, co-chairing aligns perfectly with its "Mattei Plan" – a comprehensive strategy to foster deeper, mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations, with food security as a cornerstone. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's presence underscores Italy's dedication to transforming global food systems and addressing the critical issue of food supply chain stability.
As the discussions unfold in the vibrant capital of Ethiopia, the collective vision is clear: to nourish every person on Earth, not just for today, but for generations to come, by nurturing the very planet that sustains us. The trees planted stand as a silent, powerful promise – a "Green Legacy" for humanity.
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