Countries implementing the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol should focus on delivering measurable results over the next decade rather than making further promises, Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has said.
Speaking on November 5 during the high-level segment of the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP38) in Kigali, Nsengiyumva said the coming years should demonstrate whether international environmental commitments are producing meaningful changes.
“The next decade should not be defined only by the commitments we make, but by the results we achieve,” he told delegates.
His remarks came as the meeting marked 10 years since the adoption of the Kigali Amendment in October 2016. The agreement requires countries to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning that contribute to global warming.
Nsengiyumva said the transition requires countries to expand access to climate-friendly technologies while investing in electricity infrastructure, technical skills and local industries. He also called for stronger international cooperation and greater involvement of developing countries in decisions affecting the transition.
Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr Bernadette Arakwiye, was elected to lead MOP38, according to the Ministry of Environment. The meeting, running from November 2 to 6, brings together countries to review implementation of the Montreal Protocol and discuss further measures.
The Kigali Amendment builds on the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987 to phase out substances responsible for ozone depletion. Although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they are powerful greenhouse gases, making their phasedown an important climate measure.
The delegates consider the next phase of implementation, the meeting is also discussing financial support for developing countries through the Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund for 2027–2029.
