The Minister of Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi, Monday revealed that Rwanda plans to be at the frontline of global advocacy for the adaptation of sustainable climate control.

Talking to journalists during a press conference held at the Ministry’s offices, Kamanzi said that the plan will enable the country to secure global support in the control of climate change.

"We have an Environmental Law and Policy in place and this achievement will clearly direct us to our targeted goal,” said the Minister.

Part of the efforts to enable Rwanda achieve her goals include convening of the Africa Climate Change Forum from which begins today at Kigali Serena Hotel.

He said that the forum, with the theme "Sustainable Adaptation: Development and Human Rights,” will tackle various concerns of climate change that affect humans.

Governance and human rights is another key area to be examined with much emphasis on equity and justice associated with how climate change may pose human hardships.

Also to be deliberated on are strategies of preventing and resolving potential societal conflicts caused by climate change.

It is expected to contribute towards actionable principles relating to climate change adaptation measures in the country, and beyond.

Kamanzi noted that climate change control is not just a one sector task but a universal responsibility; that’s what Rwanda wishes to address and take upon a leading advocacy.

"There is need for synergy between different institutions,” explained Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

Issues related to the obligations of the developed world to help developing countries fight climate change effects in their economic development plans are on the forum’s agenda.

The two-day conference is expected to explore current progress in the formulation of national adaptation strategies and develop the necessary capacity for that.

This is part of the proposals from previous Conference of Parties (COP) summits in Nairobi, Kenya and Bali, Indonesia to adopt strategies for sustainable development.

The government of Rwanda in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science organised this conference that will bring together 200 delegates from all over the world.

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