Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou N’Guesso has launched the global Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation initiative, urging international cooperation to reverse forest loss. The ceremony brought together several African leaders, including Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. Ndayishimiye symbolically presented Sassou N’Guesso with a mango sapling from his country, which was then planted at the ceremony. Adopted by the United Nations in 2025 following a proposal from Congo, the initiative will run from 2027 to 2036 and aims to expand global forest cover through coordinated planting and restoration programs. The launch comes ahead of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference, scheduled for Türkiye this month.