The inaugural Rwanda Climate Science Symposium (RCSS) has brought together scientists, policymakers, and development partners for a landmark two-day dialogue aimed at bridging the gap between research and policy to drive more informed climate action.

Held under the theme “Advancing Research and Networking,” the symposium marked a turning point in Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen evidence-informed planning and to foster collaboration across institutions engaged in climate data, modelling, and mitigation efforts.

“This symposium is about sharing knowledge, building networks, and discovering who is doing research, who has data, and how we can work together,” said Dr Pascal Lopez of GIZ Rwanda, emphasising the event’s collaborative spirit during his introduction to the symposium.

Organised by the Ministry of Environment and GIZ Rwanda, alongside key research institutions including REMA, AIMS, Meteo Rwanda, the University of Rwanda, the Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) and AKADEMIYA2063, the symposium sought to build a national climate research community that is not only connected, but also empowered to influence policy direction and program implementation.

“The success of Rwanda’s climate agenda depends on closing the gap between knowledge and action. Let us commit to transforming knowledge into impact and networks into action,” said Thadée Twagirimana, Acting Director General for Environment and Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment.

Throughout the symposium, participants explored climate research in key areas such as emissions modelling, climate risk assessment, data observation, and mitigation strategies. Sessions on “Climate Action: From Adaptation to Mitigation” and “Measurement and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” showcased the latest national research, while discussions on policy integration highlighted how this knowledge is being used to update Rwanda’s Climate Action Plan (NDC 3.0) and shape long-term strategies.

In his keynote remarks, Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of REMA, stressed the importance of grounding policy in research:

“When we are talking about policy development, it shouldn’t be just from nowhere. It should be linked to the different evidence we have. We are not passive victims, we are responding boldly and intelligently by ensuring that science informs our policy and actions.”

Silvia Heer, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Rwanda, echoed this call for alignment:

“To meet Rwanda’s ambitious climate goals, a solid scientific foundation is essential, based on evidence-based policymaking and strong links between research and practice. If you begin without the right data,” she noted, “you often head down the wrong path, and it becomes costly, complex, and difficult to correct.”

Panellists during the open discussion on “Advancing Climate Research and Networking” including Dr. Mouhamadou Bamba Sylla, Eric Mudakikwa, Aimable Gahigi, Dr. Beth Kaplin and Caroline Raes spoke about the importance of partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building as Rwanda advances toward its climate targets.

One of the key outcomes of the symposium was the commitment to build a national research network that fosters data sharing, coordinates efforts, and supports the next generation of climate scientists.

The event also spotlighted the need for targeted investment in climate research and monitoring systems, ensuring that Rwanda’s Measurement, Reporting, and Verification framework is inclusive and that greenhouse gas emissions are measured accurately across all sectors.

The Rwanda Climate Science Symposium would not have been possible without the support of its partners, including the Ministry of Environment, GIZ Rwanda, REMA, AKADEMIYA2063, AIMS Rwanda, Meteo Rwanda, the Rwanda Space Agency, the National Council for Science and Technology, the University of Rwanda, and the Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management.

With this strong foundation, Rwanda is setting the stage for a more connected and data-driven approach to tackling the climate crisis.

Those who missed the live sessions can still catch up at the following links: 

• Watch the full sessions: YouTube – Ministry of Environment
• View event photos: Flickr – Ministry of Environment
• Learn more at the Rwanda Climate Change Portal: climatechange.gov.rw