Today, the Ministry of Environment, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), other line ministries, delopment partners, CSOs and private sector players officially launched a nationwide consultation process to develop Rwanda’s updated Climate Action Plan, also known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) under the Paris Agreement. 

This initiative marks a crucial step in Rwanda's climate journey, particularly as the country faces increasing extreme weather events and experienced its hottest year on record in 2024. It also comes at a time when global pledges are still inadequate to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

At the launch event, Rwanda's Minister of Environment  Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, addressed a diverse audience of government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders. She emphasised the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to climate change, stressing that climate action requires everyone to play their part.

“To develop an ambitious but achievable NDCs 3.0, we count on the steadfast support of development partners and stakeholders. We want an inclusive and transparent process of updating our climate action plan,” she said.

The updated NDCs 3.0 will focus on designing transparent, implementable strategies that will not only increase Rwanda's climate resilience but also unlock essential climate financing. 

“Developing and achieving our new climate action plan, our NDCs 3.0, requires a collective effort, and we appreciate your support as we begin this consultation process,” said Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority.

A key feature of the NDCs 3.0 is a commitment to integrating climate considerations into national development strategies, ensuring that climate action becomes embedded in all facets of the country’s growth and development.

"Alignment with national plans including NST2 and Vision 2050, and strategies to mobilise domestic and international investment, are key to enhancing our new climate action plan," said David Ukwishaka, Greenhouse Gas Inventory Officer at REMA, on expectations from the country’s updated climate action plan.

The consultation process will engage all relevant stakeholders, ensure broad-based participation, and build consensus on the climate goals that will shape the country’s future. This will involve consultations with key groups across different sectors including government, the business community, civil society organisations, academia, youth and the general public to ensure that the NDCs 3.0 reflects the collective priorities and aspirations of all Rwandans.

The final NDCs 3.0, which will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) later this year, will serve as a roadmap for Rwanda’s climate action efforts. It will outline specific steps, milestones, and timelines to achieve the country’s climate goals, with a strong focus on securing climate finance and advancing Rwanda’s long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

As the consultations progress, Rwandans are invited to participate, ensuring that the country’s climate action plan is a shared vision and a collective responsibility. 

“Achieving the NDCs is for the world, not just Rwanda. As we draft it, involving the private sector, civil society and all stakeholders is key to successful implementation,” said Dr. Valentine Uwamariya while closing the launch event.

The updated NDCs 3.0 will be a guide for Rwanda's path forward, and the consultation process will play a critical role in shaping that path. Rwanda’s updated plan is expected to reflect not only national priorities but also align with international climate goals, ensuring that the country continues to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to combat climate change.

Rwanda is developing its new climate action plan with support from the World Bank, German Cooperation through GIZ, GGGI, UNDP, UNFPA, CCAC, AIMS, UNICEF, IFAD, IoM and a range of development partners.

• View photos from the launch here.
• Learn more about Rwanda’s climate action efforts here.