As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, the focus on contributions to climate goals has taken center stage. Among the most compelling examples of proactive climate action comes from Africa, where Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s leading 130 years old telecom provider, has spent the past six years planting millions of trees as part of Ethiopia’s broader Green Legacy initiative. This remarkable effort not only demonstrates a powerful local solution but also suggests a promising model for the United Nations to scale climate action globally by mobilizing corporate partnerships.
Pioneering Climate Accountability Through Tree Planting
Since 2019, Ethio Telecom has spearheaded a six-year tree planting initiative aimed at reforesting areas affected by deforestation and drought. This project has resulted in the planting of over 3.8 million seedlings across 700 sites, supported by a dedicated budget exceeding 51.5 million Ethiopian Birr. This ongoing effort not only reduces carbon but also creates thousands of local job opportunities, amplifying the initiative’s positive socio-economic and environmental impacts.
In its most recent round of plantings in 2024, Ethio Telecom mobilized over 5,000 employees and worked closely with the Addis Ababa City to plant 500,000 new seedlings. Such sustained commitment to environmental action highlights Ethio Telecom’s role in both corporate responsibility and community resilience.
A UN Climate Action Blueprint: Recognizing Corporate Contributions Worldwide
As the global community looks to the COP29 negotiations to drive climate resilience, Ethio Telecom’s tree planting which is part of a broader national ‘Green Legacy’ initiative offers a case study for corporate accountability and measurable impact. Through its methodical reforestation plan, Ethio Telecom has not only met internal sustainability targets but has also contributed significantly to Ethiopia’s national goal of planting 20 billion trees by 2025. This initiative provides a potential model for a UN Climate Action Blueprint—a framework that could recognize and incentivize similar corporate efforts across regions.
The UN Climate Action Blueprint, as proposed by environmental advocates, would serve as a global hub, cataloging successful corporate environmental initiatives and facilitating knowledge-sharing across industries. Ethio Telecom’s project could be one of the inaugural success stories, inspiring telecoms and businesses worldwide to adopt similar sustainable practices.
Unlocking Global Climate Impact Through UN-Supported Funding for Corporate Green Initiatives
The scale of Ethio Telecom’s commitment raises a broader question: what if the UN established climate-focused funding to support companies ready to make impactful environmental contributions? A UN-backed Climate Fund for Corporations could provide matching or initial funding to organizations like Ethio Telecom, enabling these projects to expand and maximize their impact. Ethio Telecom’s commitment to planting trees without external funding exemplifies the potential of what such support could accomplish.
By leveraging a fund like this, the UN could channel resources into corporate actions that support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while helping businesses align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action and life on land. Such financial support would empower corporations worldwide to commit more deeply to climate resilience and adapt their operations to benefit both local communities and the global climate.
Ethio Telecom’s Story Calls for Climate Certification: A Standard for Corporate Impact Transparency
Ethio Telecom’s project exemplifies transparent, measurable impact—qualities that could be cemented into a UN-backed climate action certification for corporations. Such a certification could promote accountability, as companies that meet certain impact criteria in their climate initiatives would gain recognition on an international stage. Ethio Telecom’s track record of reforestation and environmental stewardship could help inform these standards, as well as demonstrate to other companies the tangible benefits of sustainable investment.
Conclusion
Ethio Telecom’s six-year reforrestation initiative offers a compelling vision for corporate environmental responsibility. As world leaders gather at COP29, this African success story serves as both a beacon of hope and a call to action for the UN to deepen its engagement with corporations worldwide. Ethio Telecom’s reforestation efforts highlight the potential of strategic UN-corporate collaborations to drive meaningful climate change mitigation and resilience.
Ethio Telecom’s leaders have expressed a readiness to collaborate further with international bodies like the UN to scale these impacts and inspire others. With the right structures and incentives, similar initiatives could be replicated globally, making corporate contributions an essential force in the fight against climate change.
About Buna Kurs Media:
Buna Kurs Media is an African independent information hub that exports inspiring African stories to global audiences, showcasing impactful initiatives often under-represented in mainstream media. Our mission is to spotlight and elevate African voices and achievements that contribute to global conversations.
