On Saturday, 26 July 2026, a UNESCO Mali delegation led by its acting Head and Representative, Mr Ali-Mohamed Sinane, attended the official kick-off ceremony of the 32nd national tree-planting campaign in Bamako. Held at the Palais des Pionniers, the event was presided over by General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister and Head of Government, acting on behalf of the Transition President and Head of State.

The ceremony brought together cabinet ministers, national institution leaders, technical and financial partners, civil society representatives, private-sector actors, women’s associations and youth groups. It also rallied environmental defenders, sustainable resource managers and climate-action advocates committed to tackling the impacts of a warming planet.

With the theme « Youth at the heart of environmental citizenship for a greener, more resilient Mali », this year’s campaign advances Mali’s drive to restore degraded landscapes, curb creeping desertification and protect precious natural assets. A special focus is placed on mobilising young citizens as front-line agents of ecological transition. Over the coming rainy season, organisers aim to plant 21 million seedlings across the country, forging a path toward a greener, more resilient Mali.

By lending its support to the initiative, UNESCO reaffirms its pledge to help Mali raise environmental awareness, build local capacities and pioneer innovative solutions that fortify ecosystems against the mounting pressures of environmental and climate change.