DUBAI: The world should strive for a just and inclusive green transition, ensuring that the shift toward net zero is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially and economically equitable, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Rwandan Minister of Environment, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM)
Talking about the important issues being discussed at COP28, the UN Climate Conference in Dubai, she said practical means to reach net zero and discussions on energy transition are of paramount importance among them.
‘Moreover, recognising the interconnectedness of energy transition with broader socio-economic goals is crucial for ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to addressing climate change,’ Mujawamariya stressed on the sidelines of COP28.
Rwanda has suggested that practical measures to accelerate the green transition, including promoting renewable energy, and addressing the challenges associated with energy access and affordability should be at the forefront, she revealed.
‘At COP28, Rwanda place
d a significant focus on urging global reductions in emissions and championing increased climate financing for adaptation efforts. This advocacy extends to ensuring fair and effective frameworks in critical areas such as carbon markets and loss and damage.’
Loss and Damage Fund
The minister has high expectations on the decision taken on the very first day of COP28 to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund.
‘We look forward to its operationalisation.’ She hopes that developed countries will fulfil their commitments to the fund.
Apart from offering funds, Mujawamariy pointed out, planning and implementing effective projects to address climate change in developing countries are important.
Rwanda’s National Green Fund has successfully undertaken such projects, changing the lives of so many people, and the country is ready to share its expertise in this regard, she said.
4th COP – best one
It is the fourth time Mujawamariya is attending the UN Climate Conference (COP) in her capacity as the environment min
ister.
‘It is a success. I can say, compared to other three COPs that I attended, this has, first of all, excellent organisation. The welcoming spirit and the hospitality of UAE people are top-notch. You see people are really happy here as participants.’
The leadership of the UAE in hosting COP28 presents a pivotal moment for Rwanda to deepen existing bilateral partnerships and foster new collaborations, she said.
In the realms of trade, finance, and innovation, the UAE has been a significant ally, the minister noted.
‘Our shared commitment to green initiatives and sustainable practices positions us well to harness the UAE’s role as convener to advance our joint climate objectives.’
UAE’s financial expertise
The minister believes that, in the financial arena, the UAE’s financial expertise becomes a valuable asset in Rwanda’s pursuit of climate finance, the minister noted.
Rwanda seeks the UAE’s cooperation to establish mechanisms for green investments, fostering the development of green bonds, sustaina
ble finance frameworks, and innovative financing instruments, Mujawamariya said.
‘By directing financial resources towards environmentally friendly projects, we can contribute significantly to the global transition towards sustainability and resilience.’
Cooperation in innovation
In the realm of innovation, she pointed out, both nations recognise the transformative power of technology in addressing climate change.
‘Collaborative research and development efforts, joint ventures in green technologies, and knowledge-sharing platforms will play a central role in our shared commitment to innovation. As we aim to “green” our partnerships, fostering an ecosystem that supports and incentivises green innovation becomes imperative,’ the minister suggested.
Through such collaborative efforts, she hopes, Rwanda can not only strengthen its ties with the UAE at COP28 but also make substantive contributions to the global effort for a sustainable and resilient future.
Green investments, global stocktake
Rwanda approac
hed COP28 with a strategic commitment to elevate its standing as a premier destination for green investments, leveraging the conference as a pivotal platform for global climate action, Mujawamariya said.
Talking about the importance of the first global stocktake (GST) the Paris Agreement at COP28, she expressed her hope that the outcomes should include concrete actions across mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, finance, and support, ensuring that nations are held accountable for their commitments and contributing meaningfully to the global climate effort.
Source: Emirates News Agency