Sialkot, April 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: The University of Sialkot (USKT) hosted a symbolic tree-planting ceremony and Climate Forum on Monday under the banner of “Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity under Green Legacy”, marking a significant step in strengthening the environmental and diplomatic partnership between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
The event was led by H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), alongside USKT Vice Chancellor H.E. Dr. M. Khaleeq ur Rehman and USKT Chairman H.E. Faisal Manzoor. Together, they planted saplings on the university grounds, symbolizing not just environmental stewardship but the growing bond between the two nations.
Following the plantation activity, a Climate Forum titled “Fostering Strong Ethio-Pakistan Relations through Green Legacy Partnership” was convened, inspired by the landmark Green Legacy Initiative launched by Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The forum was attended by over 1,000 students, faculty members, and stakeholders from various sectors.
In his address, Ambassador Dr. Jemal praised the youth of Pakistan for their enthusiasm in environmental causes and invited them to actively participate in the Ethiopian Embassy’s clean and green initiatives under the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity programme.
“Since 2023, our mission in Pakistan has built strong collaborations with academia, government, business, and civil society to promote joint climate action,” the Ambassador noted. He highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative’s impact in Ethiopia, which has seen the plantation of over 40 billion saplings in six years, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and environmental resilience.
He also shared Ethiopia’s ambitious path towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by progressive steps such as banning fuel-based vehicles and incentivizing electric mobility.
With a shared vision, the Ethio-Pakistan Green Legacy programme was launched in Pakistan to promote joint climate action and reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
USKT Vice Chancellor Dr. Khaleeq ur Rehman expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s efforts in sharing Ethiopia’s environmental journey, which has now become a guiding force for mobilizing Pakistani youth. Chairman Faisal Manzoor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting this partnership and acknowledged the Ethiopian Embassy’s unwavering support in recent years.
To honour his contributions, USKT presented the Best Ambassador Award to H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula for his pivotal role in deepening Ethio-Pakistan relations and championing climate cooperation.
The event marked a milestone in Pakistan’s green diplomacy and academic engagement, showcasing how shared environmental goals can strengthen international brotherhood.
