Beijing, China – From October 28th to November 11th, 2019 – Two staff members from ARDE/KUBAHO represented Rwanda in a comprehensive training program on climate change, green, and low-carbon development, held in Beijing, China. The program was organized by the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO), an institution affiliated with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of the People’s Republic of China. The training was hosted by the Ministry’s Department of Climate Change, with a focus on global cooperation to combat climate change.
The training was attended by 23 participants from 13 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. It was part of the Green Silk Road Envoy Program and the Belt and Road South-South Cooperation Initiative, aimed at fostering the exchange of experiences and best practices in addressing climate change. This initiative helps officials, experts, and technicians from developing countries gain insights into China’s ecological civilization and its achievements in green and low-carbon development.
The training covered China’s extensive experience in climate action, particularly in areas such as air pollution control, carbon markets and trading, low-carbon urban development, and green transportation technologies, including electric bus systems. Lectures were delivered by experts from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the World Bank, and various research centers affiliated with China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
Despite being a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the past, China has emerged as a leader in the fight against climate change. Technologies such as electric cars, natural gas conversion, and carbon trading are now driving the country’s green energy revolution. Rwanda, as a country with limited natural oil resources, stands to benefit from adapting some of these innovations, such as renewable energy solutions and carbon market systems, to its local context.
Rwanda, which has already made significant strides in environmental sustainability—including banning plastics and promoting electric vehicles—shared its achievements during the training. ARDE/KUBAHO’s representatives discussed Rwanda’s policies, laws, and strategic plans aimed at addressing climate change, emphasizing their commitment to furthering these efforts through international cooperation.
As a result of the training, ARDE/KUBAHO aims to expand its climate-related activities. This includes enhancing fund mobilization for green projects, initiating organizational policies on green energy, and promoting low-carbon emissions to support sustainable poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, ARDE/KUBAHO plans to continue building its capacity in green and low-carbon development, which will be reflected in future project designs and strategic actions. The organization also intends to share its knowledge with Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) through workshops, exhibitions, and sector working groups. These efforts will help promote carbon trading, renewable energy, green transport, and smart green village initiatives in Rwanda.
As part of its efforts, ARDE/KUBAHO will work to secure grants from China to reinforce bilateral cooperation beyond infrastructure loans, focusing on grassroots projects that directly impact households. The organization will also promote Rwanda as a destination for international visitors, not only for its environmental achievements but also for its renowned tourist attractions, such as the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway and Volcanoes National Park.
This collaboration marks another step toward strengthening Rwanda’s leadership in green development, as the country continues its commitment to achieving 100% electricity access by 2024 and 60% renewable energy use by 2030.
