Rwanda made a strong push for ending plastic pollution and advancing climate action at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York. The Green Rwandan delegation, led by Minister of Environment Dr. Valentine Uwamariya and Juliet Kabera, the Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), actively participated in discussions aimed at tackling these critical global issues.

As a co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, Minister Uwamariya took part in several key events focused on negotiating a Global Plastics Treaty. During a Ministerial Consultation hosted by Canada and Norway, she emphasized the importance of considering the entire life-cycle of plastics in the treaty and creating a framework to reduce plastic production.

In a collaborative effort with business leaders from major companies like Mars, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Pepsico, Minister Uwamariya participated in a High-Level Roundtable. Together, they discussed how the treaty can be both ambitious and practical. At a High-Level Event on the Global Plastics Treaty, she reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to fighting plastic pollution, urging all parties to be as ambitious as possible in the final stages of negotiations.

Rwanda is also playing a significant role in global climate action as a co-chair of the NDC Partnership, a coalition of over 200 members dedicated to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. On September 25, Minister Uwamariya opened the 2024 Fall Steering Committee Meeting of the NDC Partnership, where she highlighted Rwanda’s dedication to working with international partners to accelerate climate action. She called on members to improve climate finance and adopt strategies that strengthen national systems.

Rwanda will continue to co-chair the NDC Partnership alongside Denmark until January 2025, advocating for climate adaptation and resilience, especially as the world prepares for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Rwanda’s participation at UNGA79 was a vital opportunity to push for a strong international agreement on plastic pollution and contribute to the global fight against climate change. By building partnerships with other nations and industry leaders, Rwanda is committed to creating a sustainable future and addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.