The Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda has hosted a Stockholm+50 Reception, gathering representatives from government, civil society, women’s organisations, people living with disabilities, youth and entrepreneurs. The event follows a series of consultations supported by Sweden and UNDP Rwanda that took place across Rwanda ahead of the Stockholm+50 summit next week.
At the reception, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Sweden’s Ambassador to Rwanda Johanna Teague and Ambassador Philip Mundia Githiora, Ag. High Commissioner of Kenya to Rwanda shared the importance of Stockholm+50, the views of Rwandans from all walks of life and the need to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Rwanda, and around the world.
“Taking care of Mother Earth, living life within the planetary boundaries, is both our responsibility as well as our opportunity. The very way we act today, and the choices we make will have a decisive impact on the future of humanity. We can create a better future, a future which is sustainable, enabling prosperity both for us and future generations, if we act together. That is what the Stockholm+50 conference is about, strengthening the basis for acting resolutely together and accelerating transformation towards a sustainable future,” said Johanna Teague.
“Stockholm+50 is an opportunity to protect our home, to address environmental challenges and create green jobs. Let’s reflect on the consultations and build an inclusive and prosperous community for everyone. We look forward to working with our key stakeholders, including the Swedish Embassy in Rwanda, the Kenyan High Commission in Rwanda, UNDP and friends of the environment for a successful Stockholm+50 summit, said Minister Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya
“History is as important as the present and the future. We recognise and thank the Government of Rwanda for the effort to fight climate change and introduce policies such as banning plastic bags to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” said HE Amb Philip Mundia Githiora.
During the event, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative Maxwell Gomera moderated a panel with representatives from the private sector, media fraternity and civil society working to build a green Rwanda. The discussion and Q&A focused on what we can all do to build a healthy planet and enable a sustainable inclusive recovery from the pandemic.
“We need to take small steps to achieve climate justice. Every action matters and inspires more people to take part in addressing climate change,” said panellist Ineza Grace from The Green Protector
“We’ve had a lot of support from the Government of Rwanda, and that’s why e-mobility is moving forward in the country. The next area of support we are looking for is taking advantage of carbon markets to tap into a new stream of investment,” said panellist Alice Rwema from Ampersand, Africa’s first electric motorbike start-up based in Rwanda.
“With a lack of information about climate change out there, the media has a vital role in telling stories that help people understand climate change,” said panellist Emmanuel Hitimana from Rwanda Environmental Journalists.
Concluding the panel, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative Maxwell Gomera thanked the panel and audience, saying: “We need to develop new approaches to fight climate change and start conversations that involve all of us.”
The reception was also an opportunity for guests to network and share ideas and perspectives on how Rwanda can contribute to the international dialogue at Stockholm+50 and view a short film on the outcomes of the consultations that took place across Rwanda over the last few months.
At the consultations, participants from a diverse range of backgrounds shared their vision for a green Rwanda and expectations for Stockholm+50. The consultations were led by the Ministry of Environment and UNDP Rwanda with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda to ensure that stakeholders from all backgrounds and with all demographics, including vulnerable groups, are able to convey their opinions and expectations from the upcoming Stockholm+50 summit.
Rwanda and Sweden have a strong partnership on sustainable development and are working together to build the resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change through community-based biodiversity restoration and conservation. (End)