The Government of Rwanda has welcomed the ground-breaking decision made at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The historic resolution, known as the UAE Consensus, calls for a tripling of renewable energy generation and a global transition away from fossil fuels, aligning with Rwanda's commitment to addressing climate change.

The COP28 resolution, achieved through collaborative efforts and diplomatic negotiations among nations, sets a new milestone in the global fight against climate change. Rwanda commends the international community for its commitment to fostering a low-carbon economy and addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

"Rwanda stands behind the resolutions adopted at COP28. The operationalisation of loss and damage fund as well as the adoption of common targets to measure adaptation actions under Global Goal on adaptation are the key milestones. Indeed, COP28 resolutions recognise the urgent need for a global shift towards sustainable energy sources. This historic decision to transition away from fossil fuels reflects the shared responsibility of nations to safeguard our planet for future generations. Everyone's task now is to put words into action." said Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya.

Rwanda has an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and promote a circular economy. As part of its commitment to the resolution, Rwanda will implement strategies and initiatives that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices across all sectors. At COP28, Rwanda joined the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which calls for a tripling of the world’s installed renewable energy generation capacity by 2030.

In addition to embracing the COP28 resolution, Rwanda looks forward to collaborating with international partners, sharing expertise, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions that address climate change. Rwanda urges all nations to join hands in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, ensuring the successful implementation of the COP28 resolution and fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet for current and future generations.

At COP28, Rwanda launched its National Carbon Market Framework in a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable future. The country also hosted more than 20 events at the Rwanda Pavilion and strengthened partnerships with a range of bilateral and multilateral partners. Rwanda’s delegation at COP28 also saw greater private sector participation, with both the Bank of Kigali and the Development Bank of Rwanda signing a number of partnerships to increase funding for private sector led climate action and green growth. The country also showcased its Green Taxonomy Working Paper, which will further position Rwanda as an ideal destination for green investment.

Other important decisions reached by nations at COP28 include:

• Parties reached a historic agreement on the Loss and Damage Fund and funding arrangements. Commitments to the fund now total more than USD 700 million.
• Climate finance, considered a great enabler of climate action,  took centre stage at COP28. Financial pledges and contributions so far made at COP28 reach 83.7 Billions USD including Loss and Damage: $726 million; Green Climate Fund: $3.5 billion (increasing second replenishment to $12.8 billion);  Adaptation Fund: $134 million; Least Developed Countries Fund: $129.3 million; Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF): $31 million; to name a few.
• COP28 also saw Parties agree to Azerbaijan as host of COP29 from 11-22 November 2024, and Brazil as COP30 host from 10-21 November 2025. 

Resources

• Learn more about Rwanda’s effort to address climate change at www.climatechange.gov.rw.
• View photos from Rwanda’s Delegation to COP28 here
• Read Rwanda’s National Statement delivered by Minister of Environment Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya here.