Ethiopia is home to an estimated 6000 species of vascular plant species with 10% endemics i.e. restricted to the Flora of Ethiopia and is known to be one of the global centres for the origin and domestication of cultivated crops. From investigations carried out so far there are more than 240 species with 30 endemic plants in the Gullele Botanic Garden (GBG). We are confident the number would increase as more detailed inventories are made in the future. I have the following Key messages •To enable our researchers in the Garden and attract researchers outside the garden representing various fields of both natural and social sciences to work on the challenges of as one of our objectives in promoting research; •In the future the GBG will be be able to avail indigenous plants for use in beautification of gardens and for their unique characteristics in order to popularize indigenous plants particularly those that are threatened so as to enhance their conservation; •GBG to serve as a field laboratory for teachers and students at all levels (elementary to tertiary level) in order to carry out research, study and observe the natural beauty of the Garden and the plant life, animals (including insects) and the Geology; •To make the Gullele Botanic Garden as an attractive destination for both the inhabitants of Addis Ababa and visitors from within and outside Ethiopia for recreation and encourage eco-tourism due to its natural beauty and clean air; •To make Gullele a Model Botanic Garden to help other Cities/towns and Universities in Ethiopia to establish their own in the future if they do not have one already. While briefing the aforementioned activities are the main focus of the botanic garden to be carried out in the time ahead, I would like to offer my profuse thanks to the esteemed Addis Ababa City Administration, Management of the botanic garden and workers as well as partners for their unwavering support and commitment in the due course of the botanic garden development.