𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (Ministry of Agriculture) – The 6th Annual Youth Leadership and Diplomacy Conference (LCC 2026) officially commenced today at the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Center under the theme, “Green Legacy for Sustainable Agricultural Development and Green Innovation.”

The three-day conference brought together senior government officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic community, and youth delegates from various countries to discuss environmental protection, sustainable development, and green innovation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh underscored the importance of transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural sector to unlock the country’s full economic potential. He noted that building an inclusive and resilient economy requires sustained investment in agricultural modernization, describing the sector as the backbone of the national economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that investing in young people is essential for securing a prosperous future. He called on participants to strengthen and advance the Green Legacy Initiative while contributing to food self-sufficiency and safeguarding national dignity. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding youth participation in peacebuilding, policymaking, and agricultural transformation efforts.

H.E. Addisu Arega Kitessa, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia, highlighted the achievements of the Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019. According to the minister, the initiative has increased Ethiopia’s forest cover from 17.2 percent to 23.6 percent, marking significant progress in the country’s environmental restoration efforts.

He further noted that Ethiopia’s achievements received international recognition in 2025 when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) awarded the country the Sustainable Forest Management and Use Award. The minister urged young people to take a leading role in advancing the green economy and sustaining the gains achieved through the initiative.

Addressing the conference, Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ethiopia, H.E. Ergogie Tesfaye emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved through broad and inclusive participation. She highlighted the role of national volunteerism programs in mobilizing citizens for community development and environmental conservation activities across the country.

The event is also expected to help prepare young leaders to effectively advocate for Ethiopia’s green development agenda and climate commitments on international platforms, particularly as the country prepares for the upcoming COP32 Climate Summit.