The thirteenth edition of the National Dialogue Council, best known as Umushyikirano, opens this morning at Camp Kigali convention facilities, bringing together Rwandans of all walks of life to deliberate on the country’s future.

Taking place under the theme; "Rwandans’ Choices –Foundation of National Development and Dignity”, the dialogue aims at providing an opportunity for Rwandans to deliberate and chart the way forward in the country’s development process.

The two-day event is expected to be chaired by President Paul Kagame as provided for by the constitution.

According to organisers, sessions at the event will provide an opportunity for Rwandans to define and evaluate their choices for the future, in light of the recently adopted global Sustainable Development Goals.

"The National Dialogue will provide an opportunity to Rwandans to learn about the new global goals, integrate them into our own vision and commit to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” a document issued by the Prime Minister’s Office reads in part.

Speaking on a television show, yesterday, Venantie Tugireyezu, the minister for the presidency, said this year’s Umushyikirano, as is tradition, will bring together leaders from both central and local government as well as Rwandans from the Diaspora.

She said that the event will also attract diplomats, representatives of political parties as well as religious leaders.

The minister said that, from 20 resolutions adopted during last year’s edition, 17 of them were well implemented, two were partially achieved, while only one was implemented below 50 per cent.

"Whenever there is a resolution lagging behind, the next dialogue sets a new deadline for its implementation,” she said.

Speaking on the same programme, the Minister for Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, said the event will be attended by 386 local leaders.

Among the resolutions adopted during last year’s edition include a resolution to improve service delivery in public service, as well as scaling up efforts against human trafficking and drug abuse.

"Since last year's Umushyikirano we have worked to enhance the quality of services in local government entities.

One of the key measures taken was to display photos and full contacts of staff members (particularly at their offices),” Kaboneka said.

To ease service delivery, the government rolled out online services through Irembo, an online platform that facilitates delivery of public services.

With regard to the fight against human trafficking and drug abuse, the government is currently reviewing laws against human trafficking and drug abuse.

This year’s event was moved from the traditional Umushyikirano venue – at the Parliamentary Buildings – to Camp Kigali facilities because of the big number of expected participants, according to organisers.

A gathering of about 3,000 youths will be following the event live from Petit Stade while many others will be following from various districts across the country.

Nationals and non-nationals inside the country and beyond can follow the event on twitter using the Hashtag #Umushyikirano.

The first National Dialogue Council or Umushyikirano took place in 2003 and the event has since become an annual affair.

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