Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a compelling call to action at the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation to advance climate action.
Speaking at the summit, held under the theme “Sustainable and People-Centred Green Transition,” the Prime Minister outlined three critical priorities: prioritizing climate finance, increasing Africa’s share of global energy investment, and combating biodiversity loss through grassroots initiatives like Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative.
His address underscored Ethiopia’s leadership in climate resilience and its advocacy for equitable solutions to global environmental challenges.
The P4G Summit, which convened over 1,000 representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations, provided a platform for leaders to discuss strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement targets.
Prime Minister Abiy’s speech highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable nations, particularly in Africa, and called for a reimagined approach to global partnerships to support those most affected.
Prioritizing Climate Finance
In his first key action point, Prime Minister Abiy stressed the need to secure “adequate, predictable, and sustainable” climate finance to drive effective climate action.
He argued that without reliable funding, countries most vulnerable to climate change—such as those in East Africa, which face recurring droughts and floods—cannot implement the necessary adaptation and mitigation measures.
“Climate action must be matched with tangible, targeted support for countries enduring the devastating consequences of climate change,” he said, emphasizing the importance of accessible resources for developing nations.
The Prime Minister’s call aligns with Ethiopia’s national efforts to build a climate-resilient economy, as outlined in its alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
By advocating for predictable financing, Abiy aimed to ensure that African nations can plan and execute long-term climate strategies without the uncertainty of fluctuating global support.
Boosting Africa’s Energy Investment
In a bold proposal, Prime Minister Abiy urged the international community to increase Africa’s share of global energy investment from the current 2% to 20% by 2030.
He described this increase as essential for supporting sustainable development and safeguarding Africa’s critical ecosystems, which include some of the world’s largest carbon sinks and vital forest ecosystems.
“Africa, with its immense potential for renewable energy, must not remain sidelined in global investment priorities,” he stated.
Ethiopia itself has made significant strides in renewable energy, with 98% of its energy derived from hydropower, wind, and solar sources.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a flagship project, was highlighted by Abiy as a symbol of Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable development, delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits across the region.
The Prime Minister’s push for increased energy investment aims to replicate such successes across the continent, enabling African nations to transition to green energy while fostering economic growth.
Combating Biodiversity Loss and Land Degradation
The third pillar of Abiy’s address focused on urgent measures to protect nature by combating biodiversity loss and land degradation.
He emphasized the role of grassroots initiatives, citing Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a model for global replication.
Launched in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative is the world’s largest afforestation program, having mobilized over 20 million citizens annually to plant 40 billion seedlings.
The program not only expands forest cover but also enhances food security through fruit-bearing plants, restores degraded landscapes, and promotes soil and water conservation.
Abiy called for funding to support such community-driven efforts and stressed the importance of fair and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms for local communities.
“Initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative demonstrate that collective action at the grassroots level can yield transformative results,” he said, noting that Ethiopia has shared seedlings with neighboring countries to foster regional cooperation in ecosystem management.
The initiative has also created over 750,000 jobs, primarily for women and youth, and generated significant income, showcasing its socioeconomic benefits.
Ethiopia’s Climate Leadership
Prime Minister Abiy’s address at the P4G Summit builds on Ethiopia’s growing reputation as a leader in climate action.
The Green Legacy Initiative, which earned Abiy the FAO Agricola Medal in 2024 and the Outstanding African Leadership Award in 2022, has been recognized globally for its impact on afforestation and climate mitigation.
Ethiopia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, coupled with progressive reforms such as banning fuel-based car imports and incentivizing electric vehicles, further underscores its dedication to a green economy.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s agricultural innovations, such as its climate-smart irrigation systems, which have boosted wheat production and contributed to food security.
These efforts, combined with the country’s renewable energy advancements, position Ethiopia as a model for balancing environmental sustainability with economic development.
Global and Regional Context
The P4G Summit, hosted by Vietnam for the first time, marked a significant moment for international collaboration on green growth.
Attendees included leaders such as Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
Abiy’s participation, alongside his official state visit to Vietnam, also strengthened bilateral ties, with agreements signed in areas such as trade, agriculture, and science and technology.
The visit, the first by a senior Ethiopian leader to Vietnam since diplomatic relations were established in 1976, underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to global partnerships.
Abiy’s emphasis on Africa’s role in global climate action resonates with the continent’s broader aspirations, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
His call for increased energy investment and biodiversity protection aligns with the need to address Africa’s unique challenges, including deforestation, which has reduced Ethiopia’s forest cover from 35% a century ago to just 4% in recent decades.
A Call for Inclusive Action
In closing, Prime Minister Abiy reiterated the need for inclusive and practical action to address the needs of the most vulnerable.
“We are confronted with a critical choice to pursue a path that prioritizes those who endure the devastating consequences of climate change,” he said.
His vision for a sustainable, people-centered green transition emphasizes not only environmental goals but also social equity and economic empowerment.
As the P4G Summit concluded, Abiy’s message resonated with global leaders, reinforcing the urgency of collective action.
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and its ambitious climate goals serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even nations facing significant challenges can lead the way in building a sustainable future.