On 1 November 2025, 80 children from across Rwanda gathered to call for stronger and more inclusive climate action during a Child-Led Climate Advocacy Event. The event took place in Kigali and was also connected to other locations Burera District, Ruhango District, Nyamagabe District, Musanze Districts, and Mahama Refugee Camp.
Organized by Save the Children Rwanda, in partnership with Nature Rwanda, Children’s Voice Today, and Uwezo Youth Empowerment, the event created a space for children to reflect on the Africa Climate Summit II Declaration (Addis Ababa) and call for child centered commitments ahead of COP30.
Children on the Frontline of the Climate Crisis
Rwanda’s young people are among the most affected by climate change. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the country loses about $150 million every year because of climate-related disasters like floods, landslides, and droughts. These disasters often stop children from going to school and force many families to leave their homes and children suffer the most.
A 2024 UNICEF Climate Risk Index for Children showed that more than 80% of children live in areas that are highly exposed to environmental shocks. The report warned that without quick action on climate adaptation and inclusive participation, millions of African children could face long-term problems in their health, education, and protection.
In this context, the Kigali event highlighted the power and participation of children, showing that they are not just victims, but active stakeholders in making decisions about climate action.
“Children’s ideas about climate action must be heard and included. We, as children, are creative and can find solutions to the climate crisis, at the Africa Climate Summit, children with visual disabilities joined the discussions, and others shared their experiences through paintings. Since we are the ones most affected by climate shocks, we must be part of the decision making process. We are not just people who receive help we are partners and change makers.” Said Ange Aline Abijuru, a 14 years old climate advocate from Kigali.
Panel on Inclusive Climate Action
Themed “Inclusive Climate Action: Amplifying Children’s Voices and Social Inclusion at COP30,” the event featured interactive panel discussions, artwork exhibitions, and dialogues between children and decision makers.
Children from all six locations shared the projects they have done in their communities, from planting trees to running environmental clubs at schools.
“I have seen schools destroyed by floods, which made children stop going to class, that’s why we planted trees around our school and taught our classmates how to manage waste properly. We have already planted more than 1,200 trees this year, and we will keep going. “Said Mucunguzi Amza, a 14 years old student from GS Cyivugiza
Another child from Burera District said the event helped them feel confident to speak directly with leaders about how climate change affects their communities.
“When heavy rains destroy our homes, we lose our books, school uniforms, and even hope. But today, we are learning that our voices can make a difference.” she said.
Government Support for Child Focused Climate Policies
Representing the government, David Ukwishaka, a Climate Negotiator at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), explained how Rwanda is including children’s needs in national climate plans.
“Together with UNICEF and Save the Children, we studied how children can take part in climate action and how NDC.3 can focus on their needs, we have added a special section in NDC.3 about children’s priorities, making sure every program meets their needs. This is an important step because NDC.3 now clearly highlights issues that affect children. We are committed to making sure these plans are carried out and closely monitored.” Ukwishaka said.
Rwanda’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC.3), submitted under the Paris Agreement, sets ambitious goals: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38% by 2030 and increase climate resilience through community adaptation. The NDC.3 integrates child-focused education programs, youth innovation, and local environmental clubs as part of its implementation strategy.
Save the Children: Helping Children Become Climate Leaders.
Marcel Sibomana, Program and Quality Director at Save the Children Rwanda, said that helping children learn about and take action on environmental issues is both an educational and moral responsibility.
“Save the Children trains children to take action from a young age, when a child plants a tree or talks about climate issues, they are learning leadership and responsibility. We don’t want them to just watch decisions being made about their lives we want them to take part and shape those decisions.” Sibomana explained.
He added that Save the Children’s programs have reached more than 500,000 children across Rwanda, including children with disabilities. Through environmental clubs and youth discussions, children learn about recycling, planting trees, and climate justice.
Children as Teachers and Change Makers
At the Kigali forum, children shared their projects and asked leaders to support school programs that protect the environment.
“Our goal is to teach others. We tell our classmates to stop littering, plant trees, and take care of the rivers. We may be young, but what we do matters. “said Mucunguzi Amza.
Ange Abijuru, who recently went to the Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia, talked about meeting other young climate advocates.
“I learned that children everywhere face similar problems. But we can help solve them by planting trees, reducing waste, and speaking up.” she said.
The children also asked the government to create an emergency fund to help kids affected by climate disasters.
” When floods or landslides destroy schools and homes, children are the ones who suffer the most, there should be a fund to give children quick help so they can return to school and feel safe.” Ange Said.
Experts Call for Inclusion and Responsibility
Experts at the event said that including children brings new ideas to national climate discussions.
“Children bring honesty and creativity, we should not only see them as future leaders, they are part of the solution now. What they do, through clubs or community projects, helps our national goals.” Said Ukwishaka from REMA.
He added that REMA will work with schools and NGOs to expand programs for youth in 2026, making sure climate education is included in Rwanda’s basic school curriculum.
Rwanda’s Bigger Climate Goals
Rwanda is seen as one of Africa’s green leaders. Through the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (GGCRS) and Vision 2050, the government wants a climate-safe and low-carbon economy. One important program is the Green Fund (FONERWA), which has supported over 300 projects worth more than $200 million, including renewable energy, tree planting, and green innovations many involving children and schools.
The Ministry of Environment says that since 2011, over 43,000 hectares of damaged land have been restored and more than 40 million trees planted. These actions help Rwanda reach its goal of covering 30% of the land with forests by 2030.
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