Rwanda Calls for Accelerated Climate Action and Green Investment at COP31

Rwanda will call for accelerated climate action, more green investment and universal ratification of the Kigali Amendment at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye.

Rwanda's delegation, led by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, will also advance six key negotiation priorities:

• Climate Finance: Calling for a clear roadmap to deliver the USD 300 billion annual climate finance goal agreed at COP29, with increased funding for adaptation in vulnerable countries.
• Adaptation: Supporting the implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation, including indicators to measure progress and track international support.
• Carbon Markets: Advancing high-integrity carbon markets and partnerships under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
• Loss and Damage: Seeking support to address climate-related loss and damage by leveraging opportunities under the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
• Mitigation: Strengthening international cooperation on technology transfer, capacity building and financing to reduce emissions.
• Just Transition: Supporting a fair transition away from unabated fossil fuels, backed by adequate financing for developing countries to adopt clean energy.

Beyond the negotiations, Rwanda will share why the country is an ideal destination for green investment, highlighting opportunities in renewable energy, climate smart agriculture, green cities, e-mobility and nature-based solutions.

Rwanda will also showcase its Cabinet-endorsed Country Platform for Climate and Development, which provides a coordinated approach to implementing national climate priorities and mobilising investment.

Rwanda will use COP31 to call for universal ratification and accelerated implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, following its tenth anniversary and the successful hosting of the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP38) in Kigali last week.

The Kigali Amendment, which phases down climate-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), has the potential to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100. When combined with improvements in cooling energy efficiency, the potential climate benefits could reach approximately 1°C.

Throughout COP31, Rwanda's national pavilion will showcase the country's climate action plan (NDC 3.0), investment opportunities and partnerships. The pavilion will bring together government institutions, development partners, businesses and young people for discussions on Rwanda's green growth. Some of these events include:

• Rwanda’s Country Platform: From Progress to Delivery: Presenting the country's approach to coordinating climate action and investment.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture Programme Launch: Exploring opportunities to strengthen food security, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
• Launch of the Distributed Renewable Energy Fund, Fund I of the Rwanda Green Fund Investment Arm: Highlighting new opportunities to mobilise financing for Rwanda's green growth.
• Rwanda Green Fund Biodiversity Window: Showcasing financing opportunities for biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions.
• From Data to Decisions: How Climate Transparency Informs Rwanda’s Climate Action: Turning climate data into evidence-based policies, planning and investment decisions.
• Restoring Rwanda’s Ecosystems for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods: Scaling Nature-Based Solutions, Climate Adaptation & Sustainable Livelihoods in Rwanda
• Operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Lessons from Rwanda–Singapore Cooperation, Carbon Markets Transparency and the Launch of Rwanda’s Carbon Registry

Through its participation at COP31, Rwanda will emphasise the importance of turning climate commitments into practical action, while strengthening partnerships that deliver results for people, the economy and our environment.

Media Enquiries

• Alice Nambaje, Communications Specialist, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda, at anambaje@environment.gov.rw.
• Cyprien Ngendahimana, Communications Specialist, REMA, at cngendahimana@rema.gov.rw.

For More Information

• Follow #GreenRwanda and #InvestInRwanda for updates from COP31.
• Visit the Rwanda Climate Change Portal to learn more: www.climatechange.gov.rw. 
• View photos of Rwanda’s delegation at COP31 here.