On November 5, 2026, Rwanda's Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, emphasized the need for countries to take concrete actions to protect the environment. He made this call during the 38th meeting of the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer, in Kigali. The Prime Minister highlighted that the world has made progress, but more needs to be done to address climate change.
Dr. Nsengiyumva expressed Rwanda's pride in hosting the meeting, noting that it has special significance as Kigali is hosting the event for the second time in 10 years. He recalled that 10 years ago, Kigali was the venue where countries agreed to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This agreement demonstrated that countries can work together to address global challenges.
The Prime Minister stressed that the implementation of the Kigali Amendment will play a crucial role in protecting the environment and improving the well-being of people around the world. He cited the example of refrigeration technology, which is essential for preserving food and vaccines. Dr. Nsengiyumva noted that while refrigeration technology has many benefits, it is not yet accessible to millions of people, particularly in Africa, where electricity is scarce.
As the demand for refrigeration increases, Dr. Nsengiyumva urged countries to find climate-friendly solutions that use energy efficiently and are compatible with efforts to provide electricity to all. He emphasized that no country can achieve this goal alone and that international cooperation is essential. The Prime Minister called for developed and developing countries to work together to address climate change.
Dr. Nsengiyumva encouraged countries not to just meet their obligations under international agreements but to strive for more. He urged them to implement their commitments on time and invest in climate-friendly infrastructure and technology. The Prime Minister emphasized that this cooperation is crucial for achieving the goals of the Montreal Protocol and addressing the challenges of climate change.
The Montreal Protocol has been successful in reducing the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted that this achievement demonstrates the potential for international cooperation to address environmental challenges. He expressed hope that the meeting in Kigali would build on this success and inspire further action to protect the environment.
The Prime Minister's call for action was made in the context of the ongoing efforts to address climate change. The 38th meeting of the Montreal Protocol in Kigali brought together countries to discuss the implementation of the agreement and ways to accelerate progress. The meeting aimed to find solutions to the challenges of climate change and to promote international cooperation on environmental issues.
Key points
- Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva urges countries to implement international agreements to protect the environment.
