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14 November 2024
RCO Rwanda and DCO Convene Game-Changing Cooperation Framework Briefing with Regional Directors
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08 November 2024
Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo at the Conference on “Ethnicity and Genocide: Policy Guidance for Prevention” 8th November 2024
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04 November 2024
ITC, IOM, UNCDF, UNCTAD, RCO and the Government of Rwanda launch Programme to amplify digital technologies in cross-border trade
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Rwanda
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Rwanda:
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07 February 2024
Boukuru’s performance at Flytime Fest in Nigeria: A great steppingstone to her carrier
Christine Uwase Boukuru a young Rwanda vocalist found herself in Nigeria, ready to perform for the very first time in her career on the global scene. It was a dream come true for her, as she had always admired the vibrant music scene not only in Africa but on an international level.
As she stepped onto the stage, she couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Little did she know that she would be sharing the stage with big icons like the famous David Adedeji Adeleke OON, who is professionally known as Davido among others.
Boukuru’s performance in Nigeria was an immediate result emanating from the partnership between the government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Youth and Arts, Imbuto Foundation, and the United Nations in Rwanda to promote the creative industry.
“This was a dream come true and life-uplifting to me. I made a lot of connections and recorded three songs with Nigerian artists that will be released soon” the excited Boukuru narrated.
As the lights dimmed and the music began, she took a deep breath and let her voice soar. Her soulful melodies filled the air, captivating the audience from the very first note. The crowd was mesmerized by her unique blend of African rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, swaying to the beat and singing along.
The young artist's performance was met with thunderous applause and cheers. The audience recognized her raw talent and the authenticity she brought to her music. It was a proud moment for her, representing not only Rwanda but also the power of music to transcend borders and unite people from different cultures.
“Upcoming artists will always need opportunities like. We need to collaborate with other famous artists to grow our talents thank you the government of Rwanda and UN Rwanda for this opportunity I got”,
The experience had not only elevated her artistry but also broadened her horizons. She was now more inspired than ever to explore new sounds, collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, and use her music as a tool for positive change.
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07 February 2024
UN Day X Spaces: Delivering Equality, Justice and Freedom for Migrants
In marking the 79th Anniversary of the United Nations, International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Rwanda, the UN held a public Dialogue to shed light on the crucial role of delivering equality, justice, and freedom for individuals on the move. The Dialogue which took place on X space, stressed the importance of affording migrants equal access to services and opportunities, recognising their fundamental rights.
A notable example highlighted during the discussion was IOM's efforts in skills development through collaboration with the Rwandan diaspora living abroad. Individuals from the diaspora engage in short assignments in Rwanda, sharing their expertise to contribute to the skills development and knowledge transfer of the local population.
One example is Jean Claude. He moved to Belgium in 2006 to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics. Upon completing the course, he quickly started a thriving career as a railway technology specialist. When 17 years into his Belgian chapter, Jean Claude heard about an opportunity to travel back to Rwanda to share his skills, he did not hesitate to sign up for the programme.
"Wherever Rwandans go, they are exposed to new technologies and knowledge. There is nobody better to bring it back to Rwanda than us."
The discourse on X space, underscored the significance of access to justice as a fundamental right for migrants, emphasizing its essential role as a prerequisite for the realisation of all other rights. This is particularly crucial in ensuring the labor rights of migrants from other countries are respected.
Moreover, the conversation acknowledged migration as an inherent expression of freedom. Rwanda's approach to managing migration was commended, citing policies and measures such as the registration of third national countries, open-visa policies, open-for-business policies, and free movement for East African Community (EAC) nationals. Notably, Rwanda was the first country to ratify the AU Free Movement Protocol of the AfCFTA, being one of only four countries to do so.
"Everybody deserves access to services, including migrants. While skills are widely distributed, opportunities are not," asserted Ash Carl, Chief of Mission for IOM Rwanda. "We work with Rwandans residing overseas to explore how they can transfer those skills back to their home country."
Migration is a cross-cutting issue in the 2030 Agenda, relevant to all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further, the SDG’s motto to “leave no one behind” is a clear call for sustainable development to be inclusive, including for migrants. At least ten out of 17 goals contain targets and indicators that are directly relevant to migration or mobility. Ensuring equality, justice, and freedom for migrants is not only a moral imperative but also a fundamental commitment to building inclusive societies, fostering global harmony, and unlocking the full potential of diverse contributions to collective progress.
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07 February 2024
Fostering Creativity: Rwanda and Nigerian Creative Industry experts to forge strategic partnerships.
In alignment with Rwanda's dedicated commitment to nurturing its creative industry and empowering its youth, as underscored during the UN Deputy Secretary-General's visit to Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi on the sidelines of the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, a collaborative effort has been initiated. UN Rwanda, Imbuto Foundation, the Ministry of Youth and Arts, and the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) are jointly shaping the 'Unleashing the Potential of Youth through Creative Industry in Rwanda' Joint Programme.
This comprehensive initiative aims to equip Rwandan youth with essential skills and knowledge to establish sustainable creative enterprises, promoting innovation, professionalism, and inclusivity within the creative economy.
Additionally, it seeks to foster collaboration and network-building between the creative industries of Rwanda and Nigeria. As a part of this initiative, Rwanda hosted a delegation of six experts from Nigeria to assess progress, opportunities, and challenges within the Culture and Creative Sector.
Rwandan and Nigerian creative industry experts are set to chart a new path to create a platform for collaboration and partnership in a new move to promote and strengthen the foundations of their respective creative landscapes.
The first step happened after the productive visit by Nigerian icons to Rwanda where they held several engagements with Rwandan government officials, United Nations Rwanda, and the local industry practitioners and experts.
This partnership will mark a significant step toward nurturing cross-cultural exchanges, promoting talent, and unleashing the untapped potential of the African creative sector that is envisaged to create more job opportunities, especially among the African youth.
Adebola Williams Chairperson of AWNetwork and founder of MITTA Centre who led the delegation of the Nigerian’s icons expressed the willingness and eagerness to strategize on the new channels to enhance partnership.
“This sector has a huge potential and we want to come up with a roadmap that will help either catalyze or accelerate the creative economy to create jobs for young people, to protect their Intellectual Property, to upskill their capacity, share knowledge, and build structures that help them be their most effective experts”, Adebola said.
According to Ozonnia Ojielo the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, the impact of the partnership between the Rwandan and Nigerian creative industry sectors extends far beyond the realms of art and culture underlining that it has the potential to be a catalyst for economic development, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of a new generation of African creatives, ultimately reshaping perceptions and elevating the global standing of African creativity.
He further mentioned that nurturing emerging talent will empower young creatives in both nations. “I’m optimistic that expertise from experienced professionals will lead to the development of a highly skilled and innovative new generation within the creative industries and as United Nations in Rwanda, we will continue providing our support and ensure this vision is realized”,
In an exclusive interview with the Hon. Sandrine Umutoni State Minister for Youth, she noted that through strategic partnerships with different stakeholders and partners, the ministry has come up with initiatives that have positively impacted the young generation.
“We have been discussing with partners to come up with a good strategy on how to empower our young people both educated and not educated, especially through the creative industry. The creative economy has the potential to not only increase the GDP of the country or at a global level but also bring together young people around the massages of unity, and resilience”.
She cited ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi a televised nationwide talent search project implemented by the Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth since 2018. The project identifies and supports young and talented Rwandans within the creative arts industry in nine different categories (Film making, Photography, Digital Art, Acting and drama, Dance, Fashion Design, Music, Literature, Visual and Plastic Arts).
During the discussion, H.E Robert Masozera, Director General of Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy welcomed the anticipated partnership adding that this will open new doors for Rwandan creative experts to the international heights.
“We want to expand Rwanda’s creative economy. We are excited about learning from these Nigerian experienced icons”, He noted.
The Ambassador further observed that Nigeria's creative sector is more developed adding that this was a great opportunity for the local industry to share experiences and learn from their Nigerian counterparts as this will move the Rwandan creative industry to another level.
The Nigerian icons and members of MITTA Centre Creative Experts Council who were in Rwanda include Bada Akintunde Johnson the Country Manager of Paramount Africa, Moses Babatope G.E.D. Film House Cinemas, Osas Ighodaro Actress and Producer, Richard Mofe Damijo Actor and Executive Producer, Cecil Hammond CEO of Flytime Group, and Adebola Williams Chairperson of AWNetwork who was leading the delegation.
As a direct outcome of the visit, the MITTA Centre extended an exclusive invitation to Ms. Christiane Bukuru Uwase, a talented Rwandan musician who engaged with the Nigerian Icons during their visit. She showcased her exceptional talents at the prestigious FLYTIME FEST 2023, which took place in Lagos from December 21st to December 26th, 2023.
This performance marked a historic moment as Ms. Bukuru became the first-ever Rwandan artist to grace the stage at Flytime Fest, representing a remarkable opportunity seized!
The creative economy contributes to the achievement of the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda, with emphasis on the quality of life and well-being as a key outcome of a targeted economic process and It aligns with a variety of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth and Industry, Innovation, and infrastructure.
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07 February 2024
Government and One UN Rwanda assess the impact of collaborative efforts toward achieving the country’s development agenda
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana and the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Rwanda Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo chaired the 2023 One UN Steering Committee to assess the impact of the joint efforts aimed at achieving the Rwanda development agenda.
The One UN Steering Committee Meeting is an essential time to review and reflect on the progress that the UN system has made in the implementation of the United Nations Development Assistance Plan Two (UNDAP II) which is fully aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation One (NST1).
The high-level gathering attracted government cabinet ministers from different sectors, Heads of UN Agencies in Rwanda, development partners, Civil society representatives, and Mr. Achim Steiner the UNDP Administrator who was on an official visit to Rwanda.
While officially opening the meeting, Minister Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana underscored the significance of the meeting mentioning that it is a re-affirmation of the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to Delivering as One Initiative or the “One UN” as commonly referred to, since 2007 when Rwanda became among the eight pilot countries with the main objective of strengthening the effectiveness and coherence of the UN at the country level.
“The UN has been fully aligning its interventions with our medium to longer-term development strategies through the UNDAP with the Leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator. Today we have the opportunity to review, assess, and commit ourselves to act together with the main purpose of ensuring that the One UN becomes a reality in Rwanda which I am sure can be replicated elsewhere in the World”. He said.
Minister further mentioned that as the government focuses on achieving the targets in the remaining period of NST1 and preparation for the successor program “we will count on the UN’s collaboration in this Journey and I believe that our Meeting today is relevant for this reason”.
Through various agencies and the Resident Coordinator's office, the United Nations plays a crucial role in supporting Rwanda's socioeconomic development through a variety of programs and initiatives, especially in different areas like poverty reduction and economic development, health, education, youth, gender equality and women empowerment, environmental sustainability, and good governance among others.
The UNDP Administrator Mr. Achim Steiner who attended the conversation hailed Rwanda's resilience in advancing the country’s social-economic development and good governance pledging for more collaboration and support to the Country's development agenda.
“We feel very privileged as UNDP to have been a long-time companion to Rwanda in its various development phases and journeys that it has embarked on. UNDP has a very broad set of engagements across governance, the justice sector, and digital, but also green transitions and innovations. Very often, we are not just an institution that implements one programme. He said.
Participants discussed several key topics, including the upcoming new National Strategy for Transformation2, financing needs, boosting public and private, domestic and external financing, and the Future Drivers of Growth especially how development cooperation can support these growth drivers to accelerate their ability to contribute to Rwanda’s transformative agenda.
Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda commended the government’s visionary leadership adding that it was indeed imperative for all partners to continue working together for the country to achieve its sustainable goals and development agenda.
“How do we move away from project focus to program focus? how do we give space to the development partners, civil society, and the government to collaborate and work together in the implementation of these decisions”.
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07 February 2024
Peace and Security at the table as regional countries convene under UNSAC
Creating and sustaining peace and security in the Great Lakes region of Africa involves a comprehensive and collaborative approach, addressing both immediate and underlying causes of conflicts. This was at the center of the discussion during the 56th Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC) hosted by Rwanda
The five-day gathering convened foreign ministers and experts from 11 member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to assess various topics focusing on security and stability issues in the region.
The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG CAAC), Ms. Virginia Gamba, called on member countries to prioritize the issue of shielding children in conflicted areas as a vital aspect of human rights protection.
She further observed that while the UN plays a significant role, it's important to note that addressing the complex issue of child protection in conflict zones requires the cooperation of governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the international community as a whole.
“We need to have a regional plan on how to prevent violations, improve communications between borders, improve border controls, and improve how to handle children who are released from the conflicts so they can be reintegrated safely back into communities”, she said during the exclusive interview with the UNRCO communications team.
The UN Leader commended the meeting mentioning that though it was generally focusing on human rights protection, it was also a great opportunity to advocate for children suffering in the conflicted zones in the region particularly girls who are raped by terrorists and armed groups.
During this meeting, Rwanda was elected to chair the Bureau of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa for the next 6 months.
In his remarks, Rwanda’s foreign affairs Minister H.E Vincent Biruta called for joint efforts to address regional security issues. He stated that Central Africa is facing numerous security threats, ranging from the problem of small arms to questions linked to migration crises, climate change, terrorism, extremism, and unconstitutional changes, among others.
Minister Biruta further emphasized the need to identify and adopt coherent strategies to counter all potential threats to the stability of the sub-region while reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to achieving the goal.
“I hope this meeting will give new impetus to the search for solutions to the security challenges facing our sub-region. I would also like to reiterate Rwanda's willingness to work with each of you to achieve this goal,” he highlighted.
UNSAC was established on 28 May 1992 by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, under Resolution 46/37 B adopted on 6 December 1991 by the UN General Assembly. The decision was to have a positive response to the request made on 28 November 1986 by the member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) emphasizing the need to create this Committee
🎥🔴 Link to the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKXtLf8NZrg&ab_channel=OneUNRwanda
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14 November 2024
RCO Rwanda and DCO Convene Game-Changing Cooperation Framework Briefing with Regional Directors
Over 15 Regional Directors attended a thought-provoking briefing meeting on Wednesday, organized by the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda and DCO Africa. This was an important opportunity for the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Rwanda to present the status of the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and share strategic asks with the Africa Regional Collaboration Platform for better coordination and synergy in delivering impactful results.Chaired by DCO Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Yacoub Ali El-Hillo, the meeting emphasized the critical need to break silos and enhance the UN’s strategic positioning.Breaking Silos for Greater Impact“This is an opportunity to interact and strategize how we can better position ourselves to support Rwanda’s priorities. I had an opportunity to attend the UNCT Rwanda retreat a couple of months ago, and the message from the Rwandan government was crystal clear: they expect the UN to move beyond a scattered, tiny project-based approach and instead operate in synergy, truly integrated at scale, to deliver bigger and more meaningful impact. That is why this conversation is very important for Regional Directors and UNCT members to fully align interventions as you implement the new Cooperation Framework,” said Mr. El-Hillo.Rwanda’s Socio-Economic Development: Resilience Amidst ChallengesRwanda’s economic and social progress continues to be remarkable, showcasing resilience and growth even after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy rebounded strongly, achieving 10.9% GDP growth in 2021, and stabilized at 8% by 2023—well above regional averages. Key sectors driving this growth include services, construction, and manufacturing, with notable advancements in technology and food crop recovery. The projected growth for 2024 remains strong at 8.3%, despite potential risks such as the Marburg Virus Disease.Social indicators have also improved significantly. Rwanda’s Human Development Index (HDI) reflects advances in health, education, and income, with GDP per capita rising from USD 710 in 2014 to an estimated USD 1,040 in 2023. Life expectancy has increased from 64 to 70 years, and nearly universal primary school enrollment has been achieved. Rwanda is a leader in healthcare, with maternal mortality reduced to 180 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality to 35 per 1,000. Over 90% of the population now has access to quality healthcare through universal health coverage, further reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable development.“Though there are some challenges on security and relations in the region, there is a strong commitment, and we are having different kinds of conversations with the government and development partners on how we programmatically work together to promote citizen-to-citizen engagement across borders,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator.The UN Rwanda Cooperation FrameworkThe impressive socio-economic progress in Rwanda presents both challenges and opportunities that require the UN to work differently. To respond effectively, the UN Rwanda Cooperation Framework (CF) has been developed, informed by trends such as Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation and the UN’s guiding principles.The process involved several steps:The development of the UNSDCF Conceptual FrameworkThe elaboration of the UNSDCF Strategic OfferUNSDCF Strategic Offer“We had to look at various parameters, global, continental, and regional orientation. We were inspired by the National Strategy for Transformation, and we also looked at the programming around the five Ps. We focused on transformative entry points that would catalyze an integrated approach to contribute to the Government’s aspirations,” said Mutinta Nseluke Hambayi, Chair of the Programme Management Team and Deputy Country Director of WFP Rwanda.“We had to strategically look at what outcomes would be high-level and represent all of us, all of our mandates. We had to agree to disagree and finally found a common understanding,” Mutinta added.The new Cooperation Framework is structured around three pillars: Economic Transformation, Social Transformation, and Transformational Governance. Three transitions—food systems, jobs and social protection, and education—play a central role, while three other key enablers—Digital Connectivity, Energy Access and Affordability, and Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Pollution—will support the framework’s objectives.Rwanda's Vision and UN Rwanda's Commitment“The ambitions of the Rwandan government are high and clear. The most important thing is that the senior government officials I spoke to appreciated UN Rwanda’s collective support. I am very much impressed by this new Cooperation Framework,” said Etleva Kadilli, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.Speaking from the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Etleva added, “At the end of the day, it's our collective mandate that counts. In Rwanda, with 60% youth, we must go beyond pilots and scale proof of concepts. Tackling education without addressing stunting is not the way forward—it’s about working smartly, in joint efforts, with political will and strong government support!”UN Rwanda’s Strategic Asks to Regional DirectorsUnder the leadership of Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator, UNCT Rwanda presented 8 strategic asks that align with key development priorities such as climate action, regional integration, labor mobility, macro-economic policy support, health, gender equality, data-driven decision-making, and country-centric approaches.He urged the Regional Directors to deploy experts in the RCO who will help tackle some of the most pressing challenges outlined in the asks.“We have put together these asks to you, and we are asking you to please join us in engaging in a business-as-usual approach. If anyone has doubts about the direction of travel for the UN, I would ask them to look at the recent political transitions in several countries and what it means for us as the United Nations System. We are almost in an existential struggle, and now we need to prove ourselves. Our request is that you use UN Rwanda as your testing ground for a new UN configuration,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator.Regional Directors expressed strong support for these strategic asks and affirmed their commitment to help UN Rwanda achieve its goals.“As UN-Habitat, you can count on us. We are bringing our expertise in affordable housing to Rwanda. We’ve seen the power of collaboration, and we are committed to helping Rwanda’s vision take shape. We have realized our commonalities—working together is key. The government is seeking innovative ideas, and the UN must be poised to lead in this crucial space,” said Ishaku Maitumbi, Head of Sub-Regional Office, East and Horn of Africa, UN-Habitat.“Rwanda normally sets the bar high, so Ozonnia and the UNCT have taken it even higher. I’m not surprised because I know that’s exactly what Rwanda demands of us. We are committed to supporting the vision expressed in the new Cooperation Framework,” said Matthias Naab, Director, UNDP Regional Service Center, Addis Ababa.UNCT Without Borders: A Call for Regional CollaborationDuring the meeting, Ozonnia emphasized the critical need for UNCTs in the region to collaborate beyond borders while addressing common challenges.“This is the leadership we need. Countries in the region face both challenges and opportunities, and we are eager to collaborate beyond borders. Working together with UNCTs in the region will be key in supporting both refugees and host communities. Count on us for full support!” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes.At the conclusion of the meeting, DCO Regional Director for Africa Mr. Yacoub Ali El-Hillo reiterated the importance of working together across borders.“Thank you, Ozonnia and the UN Country Team, for this very rich conversation. I suggest we reconvene mid-next year to see how things are progressing,” he concluded.The meeting was a powerful step towards fostering greater synergy within the UN System in Rwanda. The regional directors who attended represent a diverse range of agencies, including WFP, OCHA, UNICEF, ITU, UNFPA, UNAIDS, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, IFAD, UNHCR, UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNESCO, WHO, FAO, and UNECA. Their collective commitment to breaking silos and working collaboratively will be crucial in implementing the new Cooperation Framework. By aligning efforts and leveraging each agency's expertise, the UN Country Team in Rwanda is poised to drive meaningful and impactful change, in line with the country's ambitious development goals.
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04 November 2024
evelopment Partners Position for AFS Summit 2024: Transforming Food Systems, Driving Innovation, and Unlocking Investments in Kigali
At their regular monthly gathering on Friday 16th August 2024, the Development Partners Group convened for their first meeting following Rwanda's recent general elections and the swearing-in of the newly elected President, Prime Minister, and 80 Members of Parliament, including the new Speaker. The meeting set the stage for renewed collaboration between Development Partners, as the country advances into its next phase of growth and transformation, it is poised to harness new opportunities while addressing emerging challenges. “On behalf of all Development Partners in Rwanda, I would like to say hearty congratulations to His Excellence President Paul Kagame on his inauguration for another term in office,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator. Agriculture: The Backbone of Rwanda's Economy With the realization of the crucial role of the agriculture sector in social transformation, women’s economic empowerment, and youth employment, the DPs held a policy dialogue to unpack how to better position their efforts in building resilient and sustainable Agri-food Systems. During the Development Partners meeting, Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources made a presentation on the key elements of the new Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5). “The strategies that we had before were only tailored to Agriculture, taking agriculture and livestock development as one sector. But now we are taking a wider multisectoral approach and considering agri-food systems and integrating climate resilience” he said.The Ministry states that Agriculture development has contributed to about two-thirds of the poverty reduction achieved between 2001 and 2017. In 2023, the sector accounted for 27% of GDP and about 34% of exports. Whilst nearly 69% of households are engaged in agriculture, and an estimated 400,000 people are employed in agri-food systems. The PSTA5 emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and nutrition through three key priorities: modernizing agriculture and animal resources, improving market linkages and post-harvest management, and strengthening enablers for effective food systems. It aims to scale up climate-smart agriculture, expand irrigation, improve nutrition and storage, enhance extension services, drive research, and commercialize agriculture. AgriHubs and Animal Hubs will foster synergies among stakeholders, while digital technologies and strong partnerships are essential for progress. As the Africa Food Systems Summit approaches, Partners are urged to align efforts, establish legacy programs, and engage in a collaborative approach to shape Rwanda's sustainable agri-food future. As Rwanda embarks on its new National Development Programme (NST2) and the UN with the new Cooperation Framework, the meeting served as an opportunity to renew joint efforts in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Rwanda. “ We are looking forward to five years of impactful collaboration between Development Partners and the Government of Rwanda” concluded Ojielo.
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04 November 2024
Hope and safety for refugees and asylum seekers through the Emergency Transit Mechanism
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNHCR, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) and the African Union (AU) established, with the support of the European Union, the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) Centre in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District, Rwanda in 2019. In August 2024; UNCT, jointly with DPs, had the opportunity to visit and engage in a globally unique multistakeholder refugee protection response mechanism While running their shop in Sudan, Abdallah and his wife Babeker, together with their three children, never imagined that they would one day become asylum seekers. “I was living a simple life, thinking of the future of my family, of my children” Abdallah recounts to members of the UN Rwanda Country Team during their field visit to Bugesera District on 30th August 2024. The joint UNCT field visit serves as an opportunity for the Team to gain a greater awareness of the purpose of the ETM in Rwanda and needs of refugees and asylum seekers evacuated there. As well as to better understand the complementarity of UN interventions in Rwanda and how UN joint programmes can relate to the population hosted at the ETM. The arduous journey of Abdallah’s family from Sudan to RwandaWar erupted in their homeland in 2023, and Abdallah’s family was forced to flee Sudan leaving everything behind. In search of safety, they took a long and exhausting journey crossing the Sahara Desert on their way to Libya. But safety was nowhere to be found. They faced gunfire, bandits, and constant threats along the way, with no relief even as they made it into Libya. “In the Sahara, I faced a lot of challenges and troubles with my little children,” the 31-year-old father recalls. His wife Babeker adds that “the journey was very difficult. But there was no other solution but to leave Sudan.” After registering with UNHCR in Libya, the UN Refugee Agency, Abdallah and his family were eventually evacuated to Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM). Following months of uncertainty and hardship, they arrived at the ETM Centre in Gashora in November 2023, hoping for a fresh start and a safer future. The transit centre in Gashora, with capacity to accommodate 700 evacuees at a time, was established in September 2019 by UNHCR, the Government of Rwanda and the African Union, with the support of the European Union. Since its establishment, over 2,400 refugees and asylum seekers from Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Mali have been evacuated from Libya. "Rwanda has welcomed us as refugees and done so much for us. It opened its doors to us," Abdallah points out. “When we arrived here in Rwanda, we felt the safety, security, and stability.”Asiya, a Somali lady evacuated from Libya to Rwanda, shares similar feelings to those of Abdallah.“We are currently living a life that is much better than the one we had in Libya, where we faced extremely low living conditions and trauma,” she explains. “Since arriving here, we have been able to restart our lives with new hopes, and we have been given the opportunity for resettlement. We have been welcomed warmly, and today we are living a good life.”While evacuees temporarily remain in Rwanda after being evacuated from Libya, UNHCR provides shelter along with access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and livelihood training. This support, made possible through Denmark's steadfast assistance and a strong partnership with the European Union (EU), aids evacuees during the processing of their files and identification of long-term solutions, including potential resettlement to third countries."For instance, Abdallah says he started learning and practicing English, while others are involved in various activities such as computer courses, driving lessons, weaving, and knitting. They also offer beauty salons and hairdressing training, among others.As Abdallah and his family await resettlement to the USA, he hopes for a better future for them. “My dreams and hopes are to see my family – my children and my wife – living a happy and prosperous life,” he shares. “I want my children to learn and study so they can contribute to the society they live in. I wish for each of them to pursue their dreams, whether it be becoming an engineer, a doctor, or anything else.”
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04 November 2024
Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to gender equality with 63.8 per cent of women in the Chamber of Deputies
In a remarkable stride towards gender equality, Rwanda has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to gender parity in its latest 2024 legislative election results. The percentage of women’s representation in the Chamber of Deputies increased from 61.3 in 2018 to 63.8 per cent of seats in 2024. According to the Constitution, at least 30 per cent of the lawmakers in the lower house must be women. That means that the percentage quota allocated to women corresponds to 24 MPs as the Chamber of Deputies has a total of 80 members. Other special categories include youth and people living with disabilities and for the first time, people living with disabilities are represented by a woman.This achievement not only cements Rwanda’s status as a global leader in women’s representation but also underscores the nation’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. These figures are more than just numbers; they reflect the country’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. UN Women proudly acknowledges and commends this significant milestone, which serves as an inspiring example for countries around the world.Rwanda stands out globally for its efforts in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), particularly in political participation, leadership and other sectors. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Rwanda together with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa such as Namibia and South Africa, along with 13 other countries, have closed more than 70% of the overall gender gap, the sixth- highest among the eight regions at 68.2%, ranking above Southern Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.Beyond the legislative arena, Rwanda has also made significant strides in achieving gender parity within its executive branch, further showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to creating a balanced and inclusive government. By ensuring that women are represented at all levels of governance, Rwanda is not only promoting equality but also fostering a government that is reflective of its diverse population.Rwanda’s achievements in gender parity are not just a result of political will but also the outcome of comprehensive policies and programmes designed to support women’s empowerment. The country’s efforts to implement various initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics, including gender quotas, capacity-building programmes, and awareness campaigns, have been instrumental in creating an enabling environment where women can thrive as leaders and decision-makers.“When women are included in decision-making processes, policies and legislation are more likely to address the needs and concerns of all citizens, leading to more inclusive and effective governance. Rwanda’s example demonstrates that gender parity is not only achievable but also beneficial to society as a whole,” said Mme Jennet Kem, UN Women Rwanda Country Representative. “As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of achieving gender equality, Rwanda’s success story offers valuable lessons. It highlights the significance of political commitment, the implementation of gender-responsive policies, and the need for sustained efforts to break down barriers to women’s participation in leadership,” she added.UN Women supports the government to strengthen global norms and standards for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and mainstream gender perspectives in other thematic areas, leveraging its role as a convenor and contributing to efforts to repeal discriminatory laws and policies. It works with key partners such as the National Gender Machinery comprised of Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, National Women’s Council, Gender Monitoring Office and Rwanda Women MPs (FFRP) to ensure that all women and girls can fully and equally participate in decision-making, and can benefit from gender-responsive laws, policies, budgets, services, and accountable institutions.In conclusion, UN Women extends its heartfelt congratulations to Rwanda for its extraordinary progress in advancing gender equality and stands ready to support and collaborate in furthering these efforts, ensuring that gender equality continues to go beyond numbers to impacting the lives of women and men, families and communities as well as the society at large.
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Story
04 November 2024
ITC, IOM, UNCDF, UNCTAD, RCO and the Government of Rwanda launch Programme to amplify digital technologies in cross-border trade
A new joint initiative called Amplifying Digital Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade, virtually launched on October 11, is set to economically empower Rwanda’s small-scale cross-border traders, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, through digital inclusion and regional integration. The programme is supported by contributions from the European Union and the Government of Spain under the United Nations SDG Digital Transformation Funding Round, and implemented by Participating United Nations Organizations (PUNOs) involving the International Trade Centre (ITC) as lead implementing agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), which plays an oversight and coordination role, ensuring the delivery of a unified 'One UN' approach. “While developing good policies is essential, it is key that those policies be adapted and translated into effective services. Rwanda has already demonstrated that digital transformation can be fast-tracked, and this programme builds on that progress, empowering thousands of small-scale traders to access new markets and services through user-centric, digital solutions” said Ms. Ndèye Aissatou Masseck Ndiaye, Resident Coordinator ad interim during the virtual launch of the Joint Programme. The new programme is a key component of the UN Joint SDG Fund’s Digital High-Impact Track designed to harness digital innovation, data analytics, and emerging technologies to drive sustainable development. By leveraging these tools, the programme aims to maximize its impact, providing small-scale cross-border traders access to digital platforms, financial services, and new markets, to improve their livelihoods and promoting inclusive economic growth. With women representing over 70% of small-scale cross-border traders, the programme places a strong emphasis on gender equality and on empowering female traders as agents of social and economic transformation. It focuses on dismantling barriers that hinder women’s participation in digital trade, providing them with access to digital tools, financial literacy training, and market opportunities. By prioritizing gender-sensitive, digital policy reforms and digitally empowering cross-border traders, the Amplifying Digital Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade programme aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST-I and II), SMART Rwanda Master Plan and Vision 2050. The ADO-CBT programme also directly contributes to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) Agenda, advancing Rwanda’s integration into regional markets. Through enhanced digital infrastructure and policy harmonization, the initiative promotes smoother cross-border trade, improved logistics, and greater economic cooperation between Rwanda and its neighbours. At the launch the European Union highlights the importance of supporting digital transformation efforts in the Great Lakes Region.“We really are in the best possible position to achieve this goal in Rwanda – which has already emerged as a regional, and indeed, global leader in the field of intra-regional trade and migration policies, and which has already laid out clear plans to accelerate its own digital transformation journey” EU Head of Cooperation in Rwanda, Michela Tomasella, noted. By investing in digital solutions, the ADO-CBT programme aligns with global development objectives, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.
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Press Release
11 October 2023
Veteran Clubs World Championship - Rwanda 2024
A spirit that is reflected by the vibrant Tanzanian Premier League which makes it one of the most successful championships on the continent. The joint winning bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations together with other international events that will happen in the country is a demonstration of their bold ambition.
Following the cities of Berlin, London, Paris, New York, Dubai, and Lagos, Dar es Salaam was, therefore, an obvious stop of the LEGENDS VISIT RWANDA International tour with Jay-Jay Okocha as the special guest.
The presentation conference which took place at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, was graced by the presence of the Rwandan High Commissioner to Tanzania, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, the Chairman of the Union of Tanzania Soccer Veterans, the Chairman of the Tanzanian football federation, the President of the VCWC business club as well as local business managers and major media houses from the country.
Following a welcome address from the VCWC Chairman, Ambassador Fatou Harerimana in her opening remarks renewed the commitment of the government of Rwanda towards ensuring that the VCWC inaugural edition in 2024 is a brilliant success.
The country has world-class facilities that have recently hosted several international events and the brand new Amahoro stadium will equally be ready next year to host the Legends' tournament.
Mr. RWABUKUMBA, President of the VCWC Business Club in his statement said: "The VCWC Business Club is a unique opportunity to ensure that this outstanding event bringing 150 football Legends to Rwanda, leaves a sustainable legacy at the regional (East Africa) and global level."
A presentation was then made by the technical team regarding the di erent VCWC communities which involve:
1- BUSINESS CLUB: This brings together investors, entrepreneurs, experts, and development partners willing to collaborate with Legends to address socio-economic opportunities.
2- MEDIA CLUB: This includes Journalists, Content producers, content creators, filmmakers and more. All are willing to share the story of the continuous impact of the Legends.
3- YOUTH CLUB: A network of existing youth communities with innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are actively working to make a di erence in their communities.
4- AMATEUR CLUB: These are corporate football teams that will take part in an amateur tournament on the sidelines of the Legends tournament aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle in the workplace and inter-organizational networking.
All the aforementioned opportunities are geared towards transforming the incredible audience that will be generated from such an event into tangible impact at the social, economic, cultural and environmental levels.
In his closing remarks Mr. Milišić said: "It is a wonderful project that will attract a global audience. We must therefore work hand in gloves to build sustainable partnerships with the Legends towards advancing the global goals."
Next Stop: Johannesburg in South Africa on the 13th of October 2023.
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Press Release
15 February 2023
WFP increases food assistance for refugees in Rwanda
WFP’s monthly price monitoring indicates that the average cost of the food basket in December 2022 was 77 percent higher compared to December 2021. “The global rising costs of food, energy, and transportation is putting food out of reach for thousands of families and threatening to push them further into hunger,” says Ahmareen Karim, WFP’s acting Country Director in Rwanda. “This increased support will give refugees more choice to address their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost local economies.”
In May 2021, WFP introduced needs-based assistance for refugees in Rwanda – ensuring that limited resources are prioritized for the most vulnerable refugees. Currently, out of 127,000 refugees hosted in Rwanda, WFP provides food and nutrition assistance to 113,650 camp-based refugees, with 87 percent of all refugees classified as highly vulnerable and 6 percent as moderately vulnerable. Infants and young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people living with HIV and tuberculosis receive additional supplemental nutrition assistance to prevent and treat malnutrition. School children from refugee communities and children from host communities who attend the same schools also receive daily nutritious porridge or hot meals.
WFP works closely with the Government of Rwanda, UN partners and civil society organizations to contribute to the food security of vulnerable population groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers, despite the significant food price increases across the country.
UNHCR’s representative Aissatou Masseck Dieng-Ndiaye comments: “The increase of the value of food assistance for refugees comes at a critical time. Inflation, including in food prices, is making it harder for refugees to meet their basic needs. By working closely with WFP to identify the most vulnerable refugee populations, UNHCR hopes that this latest change will prevent refugees resorting to negative coping strategies and help them better support their families.”
WFP is currently supporting the recent influx of newly displaced persons from the Democratic Republic of Congo with life-saving in-kind food assistance in the Nkamira transit camp.
“The Government of Rwanda will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to ensure the well-being and full protection of hosted refugees and asylum seekers. The Government will also continue to ensure that all its pledges and commitment for refugee protection and inclusion are fulfilled in accordance with international conventions and national laws,” says Philippe Habinshuti, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management.
Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Africa, @AhmareenKarim, @UNRwanda, @RwandaEmergency, @RefugeesRwanda
For more information please contact:
● WFP Kigali: Sarah Colbourne,
Tel. +250 587611, Email: sarah.colbourne@wfp.org
● WFP Nairobi: Alessandro Abbonizio,
Tel. +254 723001639, Email: alessandro.abbonizio@wfp.org
● MINEMA: Claude Twishime,
Email: ctwishime@minema.gov.rw
● UNHCR: Lilly Carlisle,
Email: carlisle@unhcr.org
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Press Release
20 January 2023
WFP welcomes funding from the United States to support refugees in Rwanda
“This contribution from the United States comes at a time when we need it most. With the recent arrival of over 100 new refugees every day from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising costs of food, energy and transport, refugees are now, more than ever in need of assistance to enable them to progress towards self-reliance,” says Ahmareen Karim, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Rwanda.
WFP uses cash transfers to empower people with choice to address their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost local economies.
Despite this generous funding, WFP is still not able to provide full rations to meet the minimum food requirements for refugees in Rwanda. WFP, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, introduced a needs-based targeting approach in May 2021 – a system under which refugees are given food rations according to their levels of vulnerability.
Due to funding shortfalls, the most vulnerable refugees currently receive 92 percent of a full ration and those deemed moderately vulnerable receive 46 percent of a full ration. This ensures that the most vulnerable refugees are prioritized for food assistance while the least vulnerable refugees are supported to become more self-reliant.
This contribution is in addition to US$9.5 million received from the United States in 2022 in support of WFP’s refugee operations in Rwanda.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Africa
WFP uses cash transfers to empower people with choice to address their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost local economies.
Despite this generous funding, WFP is still not able to provide full rations to meet the minimum food requirements for refugees in Rwanda. WFP, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, introduced a needs-based targeting approach in May 2021 – a system under which refugees are given food rations according to their levels of vulnerability.
Due to funding shortfalls, the most vulnerable refugees currently receive 92 percent of a full ration and those deemed moderately vulnerable receive 46 percent of a full ration. This ensures that the most vulnerable refugees are prioritized for food assistance while the least vulnerable refugees are supported to become more self-reliant.
This contribution is in addition to US$9.5 million received from the United States in 2022 in support of WFP’s refugee operations in Rwanda.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Africa
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Press Release
08 December 2022
United Nations Rwanda and Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC), united for the success of VCWC Rwanda2024.
VCWC Rwanda2024 is an event that will bring together over 150 football legends to Rwanda, to take part in a tournament and series of forums aimed at using the influence of sports as a driver of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
On the heels of the LEGENDS IN RWANDA international kickoff that will take place in Doha (Qatar) on the 16th of December 2022, VCWC will undertake a series of national and international events in 12 cities around the world with the football legends culminating in the big jamboree in Kigali. This tour will engage with key stakeholders from the Governments, UN, Development Partners,Private Sectors, and civil society Organisations to ensure active and effective participation at the 2024 rendezvous.
INFONLINE/UNRCO
0786976708
Immy.mulekatete@undp.org
https://rwanda.un.org/
INFONLINE/VCWC
(+250) 790336142
info@vcwc2024.com
www.vcwc2024.com
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Press Release
08 December 2022
Government and One UN Rwanda assess implementation and impact of joint work on Rwanda’s development agenda
The meeting was hosted by the chair, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and co-chair, Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator to Rwanda. They were joined by colleagues in Government, the UN, diplomatic corps, development partners, CSOs and private sector representatives.
The Joint Steering Committee aims to provide strategic direction and oversight of the UNSDCF for its alignment, with national, regional and international development processes, mechanisms and goals such as Vision 2050, National Strategy for Transformation; and links with other processes, such as the Voluntary National Reviews and the Universal Periodic Review. The platform also serves as an accountability mechanism of the Cooperation Framework in the delivery of a collective system support to the 2030 Agenda.
The UNSDCF is a seven-year plan that outlines how the UN supports Rwanda’s development agenda from 2018 to 2024. It is delivered by the United Nations system, with all agencies working together under the umbrella of ‘One UN’. It is mapped on to the three Strategic Priority Areas that constitute the Government’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
Through 14 joint programmes on cross border trade and social cohesion, social protection, health care, youth, HIV, gender equality and empowerment of rural women, nutrition, COVID-19 response and recovery, climate resilience, data, Integrated National Financing Framework, food security, disability, diversity and inclusion and sustainable cities, thousands of communities are reached, systems are strengthened, capacities are built and people’s lives are transformed.
Minister Ndagijimana acknowledged the many years of joint work between Rwanda and the UN, and emphasized the importance of strong collaboration and partnership, which is crucial to ensuring that the country builds back better from COVID-19 pandemic, and stays on track to the ambitious goals set out by Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation.
“Today we have an opportunity to review, assess and re-commit ourselves to act together to support Rwanda’s development. As we continue to deal with spill-over effects of COVID-19, and other global challenges such as inflation and food security, we are committed more than ever to achieve NST1 targets and we will count on UN’s collaboration in this Journey, “Minister Ndagijimana said.
Mr. Ozonnia commended the GoR for its strong leadership throughout the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterated the UN’s commitment to working closely on Rwanda’s continued development.
“I congratulate the Government of Rwanda (GoR) for its strong leadership and commitment to supporting Rwanda’s socio-economic recovery and development efforts and for our strong partnership in our development work. The UN in Rwanda takes pride in being a partner of choice for the Government and the people of Rwanda as the country continues to build on its remarkable success story and ensuring the well-being of its people embedded in the spirit of “Leaving no one behind”. Mr. Ozonnia said.
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