Nairobi, 22 August 2012 - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) joins the government and people of Ethiopia in expressing its condolences following the death of Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.
Meles Zenawi has left a legacy of accomplishments on environmental matters, particularly regarding climate change and the green economy.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi contributed to leading Africa's active engagement in the UN climate change negotiations in his role as Chair of the Meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. His efforts in mobilizing Africa's voice on climate change are a clear example of his legacy in advancing Pan-Africanism through intergovernmental processes and dialogue.
Mr. Zenawi was a champion of the environment, who believed that Africa needed to embrace a low-carbon, resource-efficient green economy as the central pathway to sustainable development. Under his leadership, Ethiopia developed a comprehensive Climate Resilient and Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, which has the goal of transforming the country into a carbon-neutral middle income country by 2025.
Under Mr. Zenawi, Ethiopia played a key role in UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign, planting a total of 1.7 billion trees since early 2007. Some 12.6 billion trees have been planted worldwide in 193 countries, with Ethiopia's contribution the third-largest behind India and China.
Meles Zenawi will also be remembered for his strong commitment to Africa's integration. His tenure as Chairperson of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee and his support to the African Union's Peacekeeping activities are further illustrations of his engagement on the continent.
UNEP expresses deep appreciation to Meles Zenawi for constant support for the environment and sustainable development in Africa.
