CLGF advocates that climate change can only be addressed with the input of local players: local authorities, local communities, and local views, featuring prominently at the heart of decision-making, and at all levels. This is something that the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities – RALGA – is ensuring happens, with an event designed to capture local views.

Insightful deliberations

RALGA organised a two-day local government consultation workshop to gather inputs for Rwanda’s updated Climate Action Plan and proved to be highly valuable. With many insightful deliberations, the second day of the workshop featured presentations and a panel discussion from local government leaders and partners, with pledges to support efforts put in place towards achieving Rwanda’s climate and development goals.

National action plans

Countries are required to submit NDCs, or Nationally Determined Contributions, in 2025 in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Known as NDCs 3.0, the plans should align with global aims of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Rwanda’s NDC 3.0 aims to strengthen climate action by integrating climate priorities into national development plans, enhancing resilience, securing climate financing, and aligning with the Paris Agreement to support the country’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Meaningful community engagement

The Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Ruhango District, Jean Marie Rusilibana, called for meaningful community engagement at every step of the journey if NDC 3.0 targets are to be met. Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Gicumbi District, Uwera Parfaite, described how the Green Gicumbi project has equipped citizens to embrace climate action, transforming their livelihoods; and that providing support is key to sustainable resilience and economic growth. Secretary General of RALGA, Dominique Habimana, emphasised how the local government consultative workshop demonstrates Rwanda’s conviction that local governments play an important role in the country’s transformation in all sectors.

There was also a call from the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Beatrice Cyiza, for local leaders to act within their means to build resilience and drive local and global climate action, keeping communities at heart; a recommendation that resonates with all countries around the Commonwealth in challenging economic times.

Local government views assured

This important, two-day event ensures the participation of Rwanda local government in the national climate change adaptation and mitigation policy dialogue and the ambitions for setting the development of a multi-level informed NDC3.0 with a clear bottom-up approach.

Image courtesy of RALGA