Rwanda urges countries to turn climate commitments into concrete action

By The Inspirer.

The Rwandan Government has called on countries around the world to translate their commitments into concrete action to protect the climate, in line with the Montreal Protocol and its 2016 Kigali Amendment.

The Kigali Amendment, adopted in Rwanda on October 15, 2016, aims to protect the ozone layer by gradually reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), gases commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment that contribute significantly to global warming.

Speaking at the opening of the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP38), Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva recalled that Rwanda hosted the landmark meeting 10 years ago, when countries agreed to amend the Montreal Protocol through what became known as the Kigali Amendment.

He said the agreement demonstrated that countries could work together to address global challenges while taking into account each country’s capacity and development needs.

“Full implementation of the Kigali Amendment would make a significant contribution to protecting our climate and improving the well-being of people around the world, both now and in the future,” he said.

The Prime Minister also recalled remarks made by President Paul Kagame when the amendment was adopted in 2016, highlighting the need for countries to pursue meaningful solutions rather than settle for limited progress.

At the time, President Kagame said: “We should not be satisfied with making small progress in solving a problem when we have the capacity to solve it completely.”

Dr Nsengiyumva said the message remains relevant, reminding countries that success should not be measured by the agreements they sign or the commitments they make, but by the actual changes those decisions bring to the world and people’s lives.

On refrigeration, he stressed that cooling food, medicines and other spaces should not be viewed merely as a way of improving comfort, but as an essential service linked to human health, dignity, economic opportunities and climate resilience.

He cited farmers as an example, explaining that access to reliable cold storage can help preserve harvested fruits and other agricultural produce, allowing farmers to reach markets without losing their produce to spoilage.

“Reliable cooling systems are essential for preserving vaccines and critical medicines so that they can reach people who need them, including those living in remote areas. Access to reliable cooling services remains a major challenge for millions of people, particularly in Africa, where electricity is limited and often unreliable,” he said.

As demand for cooling services continues to grow, Dr Nsengiyumva called on countries to expand access through environmentally friendly solutions that use less energy and do not harm the climate.

He added that transforming the cooling sector should go beyond replacing outdated equipment with newer technology. It should also involve developing infrastructure, strengthening people’s skills and capacity, and supporting industries capable of providing sustainable solutions.

“Rwanda will advance this ambition through initiatives including the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain,” he said.

Established in Rwanda, the centre aims to support Africa through research and training in sustainable cooling technologies.

Rwanda believes such initiatives can help countries build the capacity needed to benefit from opportunities in providing environmentally sustainable cooling services.

International cooperation is essential

Dr Nsengiyumva also emphasised the importance of international cooperation, noting that no country can independently address the global challenges facing the world.

“South-South Cooperation and other forms of international collaboration are essential for pooling knowledge, capacity, resources and experience,” he said.

He added that such partnerships should enable developing countries to participate in decision-making and lead the transition towards sustainable cooling, rather than simply being expected to adopt technologies and systems developed elsewhere.

The Prime Minister urged delegates attending MOP38 to go beyond the minimum requirements of the agreement and ensure that their commitments are implemented on time and sustainably.

He said the next decade should be defined by measurable progress and tangible results rather than statements and promises alone.

“Let us take concrete steps beyond what is required and strive to achieve what is possible,” he said.