The dates for the 19th National Dialogue Council Umushyikirano, a forum in which Rwandans discuss issues of national importance, are January 23 and 24, with the meeting set to discuss national development, unity and youth empowerment, according to a government statement released on Saturday, January 13.

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Governed by Article 168 of the Constitution, Umushyikirano is a forum where participants debate issues relating to the state of the nation, the state or functioning of the decentralized structures, and national unity. Participants include members of the Cabinet and lawmakers, representatives of the Rwandan community abroad, local government, Civil Society Organizations, media, the diplomatic community, and others invited by the President.

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People unable to attend in person are also able to participate by means of telephone calls, social media, SMS, as well as follow the debate live on television and radio.

The dialogue will take place as the country prepares to hold the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It also comes at a time when the seven-year [2017 to 2024] National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) is drawing to end.

The strategy, adopted in 2017, set out the Government&039;s plans for achieving its 2020 and 2050 Vision's for economic development. It built on lessons learned, successes and challenges encountered in previous medium term development strategies.

"This year's Umushyikirano will review progress made in enhancing the well-being of Rwandans and addressing challenges faced," the statement said.

"It will also be an opportunity to reflect on Rwanda's unity and resilience journey as we approach Kwibuka 30 and efforts to empower young Rwandans to lead national transformation."

At the end of the two-day dialogue chaired by the President, participants often draw up resolutions that guide what is done in the year ahead.

The last edition of Umushyikirano took place in February 2023. It resolved to increase agricultural and livestock productivity through access to finance for farmers and to foster national unity and reconciliation.

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Also among the key resolutions was the improvement of public transport, increased engagement of the diaspora in national development, improvement of the quality of education, and addressing issues in public service delivery.

There were also measures to curb inflationary pressures and enhance preventive measures against non-communicable diseases and improvement of the healthcare workforce, among other resolutions.