The second edition of the Kigali Climate Talks has explored the role of climate finance in building Rwanda’s resilience and capacity to adapt to climate challenges. A joint initiative of the Government of Rwanda and the German Embassy in Kigali, the event series serves as a platform for dialogue and action on key international climate negotiations and their implementation in Rwanda.

Held on Friday, 4 October 2024, the event opened with remarks from Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment as well as Heike Uta Dettmann, the German Ambassador to Rwanda and Belén Calvo Uyarra, the EU Ambassador to Rwanda. The speakers highlighted the importance of climate finance to enable low-carbon development and the importance of achieving a robust outcome at the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“With COP29 just around the corner, it is essential that we act decisively and thoughtfully. For any climate action to be effective, we must also be inclusive. We must bring together all stakeholders and give a voice to all, because everyone can be a climate action champion. The Kigali Climate Talks provide us with that opportunity, and I would like to thank the Government of Germany for making today possible,”said Dr Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.

“The Kigali Climate Talks are a new structured, regular format to foster in-country dialogue and action on international climate discussions, agreements and obligations. Climate change is a global issue – we only live in one world. Climate finance is what powers climate action and today, the discussion will dive into questions such as “where do we stand financially?,” said Heike Uta Dettmann, German Ambassador to Rwanda.

During the event, Rwanda’s lead climate negotiator, Faustin Munyazikwiye, delivered a presentation on the state of climate finance negotiations, providing an update on progress made through the UNFCCC process, and areas of focus for Rwanda at the upcoming COP29.

A panel discussion titled ‘Climate Finance - Powering Adaptation and Resilience’ featured various stakeholders, and examined the intersections between global climate finance negotiations and Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment for green investments. The panellists discussed Rwanda’s role in attracting climate finance to support sustainable development and outlined its vision to align with international climate frameworks.

“We recently undertook a study and found that we are losing about 3-4% of GDP when we do not take action. That’s why it’s important to not only continue what we have been doing, but also boost our efforts. Our role is to make sure that we put together all those initiatives and raise sustainable finance,” said Stella Nteziryayo, Chief Economist, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

The panellists also highlighted the need to focus on climate adaptation, with climate finance being key to building stronger communities and infrastructure. Vulnerability assessments were seen as essential for identifying climate risks in Rwanda and guiding adaptation efforts. The discussions also linked Rwanda's climate strategies to the goals of COP29.

“We make sure that the local government's voice is heard. Rwanda has a goal to ensure that the discussion of climate finance comes to solutions that reflect the needs of the local government,” said Dominique Habimana, Secretary General, Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities.

“We conduct studies so that we can first make a case to mobilise resources and then ensure that we make informed decisions. Lastly, we need to ensure that the funding is solving the issue,” said Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General, Rwanda Environment Management Authority.

The second edition of the Kigali Climate Talks also included a question and answer session with attendees as well as discussants from the Rwanda Green Fund and Bank of Kigali.

“Being green is not a liability. It’s actually a competitive advantage. I commend the entire government for all the work that has been done in putting in place the roadmaps and the strategies – because it allows us to know where we fall and where we’re supposed to play our pivotal role,” said discussant Zaina Amri Sued, Chief of Staff at the Bank of Kigali.

“Addressing climate change is a no-brainer. If 3-4% of our GDP loss is caused by climate change, it’s important that all sectors come together to address the issue. We can’t choose between climate and the economy because the two are closely aligned. We also need to look beyond traditional development finance and position ourselves to attract private sector investment,” said discussant Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund.

The event ended with a call for improving the use of data and continuous improvement in how Rwanda utilises climate finance to build resilience.

“The key message is that priority should be given to data driven and evidence based research that can help to track what is going on, but more importantly to foster a culture of learning for improvement,” said Dr Aime Tsinda, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, University of Rwanda.

The third edition of the Kigali Climate Talks will take place in early December following the COP29 Climate Conference.

About Climate Finance in Rwanda

The Government of Rwanda has developed a progressive approach to climate finance to address climate change and build a carbon neutral economy. Institutions like the Rwanda Green Fund and international partnerships channel funds toward relevant projects. Innovative financing mechanisms such as Ireme Invest attract private investment, while Rwanda’s NDC Facility, Intego, supports public sector climate action. To effectively implement climate finance, Rwanda is building capacity, prioritising climate-resilient investments, encouraging private sector participation, exploring new financing mechanisms, and collaborating regionally. This approach aims to ensure sustainable and resilient development in the face of climate change.

Learn more at www.climatechange.gov.rw.

Resources

• View photos from the second edition of the Kigali Climate Talks here.
• Watch the second edition of the Kigali Climate Talks here.