Rwanda to Present Children’s Climate Concerns at Africa Climate Summit

The commitment was made on July 7 during a consultative meeting that brought together officials and more than 70 children from Musanze, Burera, Ruhango and Nyarugenge districts, as well as from Mahama and Gashora refugee camps.

Children said they are directly affected by extreme weather, particularly those living in areas prone to floods and landslides, which disrupt schooling and destroy crops. They urged leaders attending the summit to share their concerns and seek concrete solutions.

“In our area, heavy rains fall even during the dry season, causing floods that wash away crops, damage bridges and prevent us from getting to school,” said 14-year-old Fabrice Ndacyayisenga from Burera District.

Fifteen-year-old Obed Ndayisaba from Ruhango District called for children’s perspectives to be included in environmental policymaking. “I ask leaders to listen to children’s ideas when setting policies to protect the environment,” he said.

Kayishema Christian, REMA’s climate education officer, assured the children their voices would be carried to the international stage. “We are committed to strengthening children’s knowledge on climate change, bringing your ideas to forums such as the Africa Climate Summit, and advancing your right to a clean and healthy environment,” he said.

Save the Children Country Director Joanne Musonda stressed that children have a right to participate in decisions affecting the environment. “Every child has the right to be heard, to be protected, and to live in a healthy environment free from the impacts of climate change,” she said, urging organizers to ensure children’s input is valued both at the summit and in other global meetings.

Rwanda has been expanding opportunities for young people to engage in environmental protection and climate action. This year, children contributed to the revision of the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC.3) — the national plan to address climate change impacts.

Globally, climate change impacts are intensifying, with some countries facing extreme heat, floods and droughts that threaten lives, agriculture, infrastructure and ecosystems.

During the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, President Paul Kagame called for new, shared global targets for climate finance, particularly to support those affected by losses and damages. He said funding should also prioritize rebuilding damaged infrastructure and implementing strong climate adaptation measures.

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, between 30,000 and 60,000 people die each year due to climate-related disasters. The Institute for Economics and Peace warns that by 2050, as many as 1.2 billion people could be severely affected by rising global temperatures.