As Ethiopia positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s climate leadership by hosting this year’s Africa Climate Summit, a new initiative is underscoring the country’s commitment to a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition. SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, with support from SOS Children’s Villages in Canada and the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, has officially launched the Green Growth: Empowering Youth for a Green Future Project, a five-year programme designed to equip young Ethiopians with the tools to thrive in and contribute to a green economy.
On September 18, 2025, the launch event was held at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together stakeholders, staff, government representatives, development partners, and community leaders. The project, which will run from 2025 to 2030, will be implemented in Addis Ababa, Adama, and Dire Dawa, focusing on urban and peri-urban communities with the goal of reaching more than 7,000 disadvantaged youth where 60% of whom will be women, and at least 5% youth living with disabilities.
With climate change increasingly impacting livelihoods across Ethiopia, this project arrives at a pivotal moment. Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, and the programme aims to tackle both environmental and socio-economic challenges simultaneously. By providing technical training, green entrepreneurship support, and educational opportunities, the Green Growth project offers more than just job prospects. It offers confidence, dignity, and renewed hope for the next generation.
The event opened with a media briefing featuring Mr. Sahlemariam Abebe, Multi-Country Director for SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia and South Sudan, and Mr. Marc Bonomo, Vice President of SOS Children’s Villages in Canada. Both emphasized the significance of the project and the collaboration that brought it to life.
Mr. Sahlemariam Abebe then welcomed guests with a heartfelt message, highlighting the urgent need to support underserved youth, especially young women and people with disabilities, so they can become active participants in Ethiopia’s green economic development. He also reflected on the country’s rapidly growing youth population, emphasizing that with the right support and opportunities, this demographic can become a powerful driver of progress. He expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Canada and SOS Children’s Villages in Canada for their longstanding partnership, and extended appreciation to the FDRE Ministry of Labor and Skills for its cooperation and commitment to youth development.
Following this, Mr. Marc Bonomo reaffirmed SOS Children’s Villages in Canada’s dedication to the partnership between both organizations, dating back to 1988. He thanked local partners, community actors, government representatives, and Canadian citizens for their contributions.
“We are grateful for all the young people who continue to share their aspirations with us, as that is the reason behind why we are here today.” he added.
A comprehensive project presentation was delivered by Mr. Anketse Birhanu, National Project Coordinator for Youth Empowerment Projects at SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, who outlined the project’s objectives, implementation strategies, challenges, and long-term vision. His presentation was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Lijalem Baileyegn, Fund Development and Communications Director at SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia.
Panelists included Ms. Achamyelesh Teferi, Programme Development, Innovation and Quality Assurance Director; Mr. Anketse Birhanu; and Ms. Maude Pelland, Senior Manager for International Programs and Partnerships at SOS Children’s Villages in Canada. The engaging dialogue addressed audience questions and reinforced the project’s collaborative, community-driven approach.
Guest of Honor, Mr. Azmera Kebede, Advisor to the state minister for Technical and Vocational Training Affairs at the FDRE Ministry of Labor and Skills, highlighted the alignment of the Green Growth project with Ethiopia’s national priorities. He noted that green skills are a key pillar of the ministry’s strategy and commended the timing and relevance of the initiative, calling it a vital contribution to Ethiopia’s climate-resilient green economy.
Mr. Joe Goodings, Development Counselor at the Embassy of Canada, delivered a powerful closing statement where he highlighted that a significant number of Ethiopian youth are not in education or training, and that an even greater number of young people enter the job market each year. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing the country’s growing skills gap, he commended SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia for its focus on reaching the most underserved. He added that the project has the potential to transform the trajectory of those youths, enabling them to thrive and become role models for others in their communities.
The launch of the Green Growth project stands as a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward a climate-resilient green economy. It highlights the power of partnerships between governments, communities, civil society, and youth.
As Ethiopia continues to lead critical conversations on climate across the continent, this project offers a clear message: empowering young people is not only essential for climate resilience, but also for building a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.