The Government of Rwanda has welcomed delegates from around the world to the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP38), which is taking place in Kigali from November 2 to 6, 2026. The meeting brings together over 1,000 participants, including government representatives, international organizations, industry stakeholders, and other partners. The goal is to review progress made in protecting the ozone layer and to take further action to combat climate change.
This meeting takes place 10 years after Kigali hosted a conference that led to the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in October 2016. The Kigali Amendment requires countries to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and to replace them with alternatives that have a lower global warming potential.
The implementation of the Kigali Amendment is crucial, as it is expected to prevent a 0.5°C increase in global temperatures by the end of the century. Environment Minister Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye expressed Rwanda's pleasure in hosting the meeting again, 10 years after the amendment was agreed upon. She highlighted the importance of MOP38 in reviewing progress made and strengthening efforts to implement the amendment.
The meeting will focus on reviewing progress made in protecting the ozone layer and taking further action to combat climate change. Delegates will discuss ways to strengthen the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and to promote the development and use of climate-friendly technologies. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for countries to share experiences and best practices in reducing HFCs and promoting sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Ozone Secretariat, noted that the meeting in Kigali provides an opportunity to assess progress made and to strengthen efforts to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change. She emphasized the importance of continued international cooperation to address these global challenges.
The MOP38 meeting is a significant event, as it brings together countries that have ratified the Montreal Protocol to review progress made and to take further action to protect the ozone layer. The meeting will provide a platform for countries to share experiences and best practices in implementing the protocol and to address challenges and opportunities in this area.
The previous MOP meeting took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 3 to 7, 2025. The meeting in Kigali is expected to build on the progress made in Nairobi and to take further action to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
Key points
- The meeting aims to review progress made in protecting the ozone layer and to take further action to combat climate change.
- The Kigali Amendment requires countries to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
- The implementation of the Kigali Amendment is expected to prevent a 0.5°C increase in global temperatures by the end of the century.
