Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, the Minister of Environment in Rwanda, has been elected to chair the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer. The meeting, which took place in Kigali from November 2 to 6, 2026, brings together countries that have signed the Montreal Protocol to discuss the implementation of measures to reduce the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, aims to reduce and eliminate the use of substances that harm the ozone layer, protecting living organisms. In 2016, an amendment to the protocol was adopted in Kigali, focusing on reducing the use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), commonly used in refrigeration systems, which contribute to global warming. Dr. Arakwiye's election as chair of MOP 38 is seen as a positive step for Rwanda, highlighting the country's commitment to environmental protection and good governance.
As chair of MOP 38, Dr. Arakwiye will oversee discussions on the progress made by countries in implementing the Montreal Protocol and identifying areas for improvement. The meeting will focus on strengthening international cooperation and developing common strategies to protect the ozone layer, as the world continues to seek solutions to climate change. Dr. Arakwiye has emphasized the importance of collective action to address environmental challenges.
Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye has a strong background in environmental conservation and research. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Rwanda and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Antioch University. She also holds a Master's degree in Earth Sciences from Clark University in Massachusetts, USA. Before becoming Minister of Environment, Dr. Arakwiye worked as the Director of the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Africa, leading the Land Restoration program.
Dr. Arakwiye has also held various research positions, including as a researcher at Conservation International in the USA and as a research assistant at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Funds in Rwanda. She was appointed as Minister of Environment on July 24, 2025, succeeding Dr. Valantine Uwamariya. Her experience and expertise in environmental conservation make her well-suited to lead MOP 38.
The 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, 10 years after the country hosted the meeting that led to the adoption of the Kigali Amendment. The amendment aims to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, which contribute to global warming. Dr. Arakwiye's leadership will be crucial in promoting international cooperation and achieving progress in protecting the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol has been successful in reducing the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer. However, there is still work to be done to address the challenges posed by climate change. Dr. Arakwiye's election as chair of MOP 38 is an opportunity for Rwanda to demonstrate its commitment to environmental protection and to promote international cooperation on this critical issue.
Key points
- Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Rwanda's Environment Minister, has been elected to lead the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.
- The Montreal Protocol aims to protect the ozone layer by reducing and eliminating the use of substances that harm it.
- Dr. Arakwiye has a strong background in environmental conservation and research, making her well-suited to lead MOP 38.
