Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva of Rwanda has emphasized that the implementation of the Kigali Climate Protocol must prioritize improving people's lives, not just reducing emissions. Speaking at the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, Nsengiyumva highlighted the challenges faced by communities that depend on access to reliable cooling for their livelihoods, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He stressed that the transition to sustainable cooling must go beyond replacing one technology with another and must also build infrastructure, develop skills, and nurture industries.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed upon ten years ago in Rwanda, aims to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Nsengiyumva noted that while the agreement is a significant international environmental breakthrough, it should not lead to complacency. He emphasized that the next phase of implementation must demonstrate that global environmental cooperation can deliver tangible improvements in people's lives, particularly in areas such as cold storage for farmers and reliable refrigeration for healthcare facilities.
Nsengiyumva also called for stronger South-South cooperation and international partnerships to support developing countries in shaping the transition to sustainable cooling. He highlighted Rwanda's efforts to contribute to this effort through the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES), which aims to bring together research, training, technology development, and practical application. The centre has a pan-African vision to support the development of sustainable cooling solutions.
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), praised the Montreal Protocol as an example of what countries can accomplish through sustained international cooperation. She noted that the Multilateral Fund has supported governments in establishing reporting systems, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and building capacity to implement the Kigali Amendment. The fund has also supported 127 developing countries in strengthening their capacity to collect, transport, and manage used and unwanted controlled substances.
Mrema emphasized that continued progress will depend on strengthening implementation, building and enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring that developing countries receive the support they need to meet their commitments. She expressed hope that negotiations on the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for the 2027-2029 period would produce adequate financing to sustain implementation of the Kigali Amendment. The fund's replenishment is crucial to supporting developing countries in meeting their obligations under the protocol.
Paul Kranjiki, the outgoing President of MOP37, acknowledged that several important issues remained under discussion as the meeting progressed. He expressed hope that delegates would resolve these issues through consensus and maintain collective commitment to the Montreal Protocol. Delegates were urged not to allow past achievements to overshadow the work ahead, with a reminder that the protocol's success has depended on countries remaining committed to a common purpose.
The success of the Kigali Amendment in the next decade will be determined not only by the emissions prevented but also by how far its benefits extend to people and countries that still lack access to reliable cooling. Moving forward, there is a demand for investment, technology, skills, and partnerships that allow communities and economies to benefit from cleaner cooling. The implementation of the Kigali Climate Protocol must prioritize improving people's lives while reducing emissions.
Key points
- The Kigali Amendment must prioritize improving people's lives, not just reducing emissions.
- Rwanda's Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva called for stronger South-South cooperation and international partnerships to support developing countries in shaping the transition to sustainable cooling.
- The Multilateral Fund's replenishment for the 2027-2029 period is crucial to supporting developing countries in meeting their obligations under the protocol.
