On 9–10 July 2026, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA participated in the Rwanda National Convening on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Climate Change and Environmental Nexus held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Kigali, Rwanda. As a member organization of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA joined the two-day convening organized by RCCDN in partnership with the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders committed to advancing gender-responsive climate action, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in Rwanda.
The convening attracted representatives from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Environment (MoE), the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the Rwanda Water Board (RWB), and the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO). It also brought together participants from the University of Rwanda, development partners such as GIZ and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, as well as national and international civil society organizations, including RCCDN member organizations such as ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA.
The first day of the convening focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of the interconnections between climate change, peace, security, and gender equality. Through policy discussions and expert presentations, participants examined Rwanda’s existing climate and gender policy frameworks and explored how they can be strengthened to better respond to emerging environmental and security challenges. The discussions underscored the importance of integrating gender-responsive approaches into climate policies while recognizing that environmental degradation and climate change can exacerbate social vulnerabilities, increase risks to peace and security, and disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities.
On the second day, the convening shifted from policy dialogue to collaborative planning, with participants working together to develop a civil society roadmap for advocacy on the Women, Peace and Security and Climate Nexus. Interactive group discussions focused on identifying policy gaps, strengthening the evidence base on the gender–climate–conflict nexus, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and promoting inclusive participation in research, policymaking, and advocacy. Participants emphasized the need to ensure that the voices of women, youth, and vulnerable communities are meaningfully reflected in climate resilience and peacebuilding initiatives.
Among the major outcomes of the convening was the identification of two priority advocacy areas: addressing climate-induced loss and damage by strengthening policy frameworks and support mechanisms for vulnerable communities affected by climate-related disasters, and improving access to climate finance, particularly for local communities, women-led organizations, and grassroots actors, to enhance climate adaptation, resilience, and peacebuilding efforts. The discussions also highlighted the importance of evidence-based advocacy, stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration, and coordinated action in advancing Rwanda’s climate resilience, gender equality, and peacebuilding agenda.
ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA was represented throughout the convening by Ms. Dancilla Mukakamari, National Coordinator, on the first day, and Dr. Elie Ntirenganya, Head of Planning and Research, on the second day. Their participation enabled the organization to engage with government institutions, development partners, academia, and fellow civil society organizations in meaningful dialogue on some of Rwanda’s most pressing climate and development challenges.
As an organization committed to environmental conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment, ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA values opportunities to contribute to national policy dialogue and collaborative advocacy. The knowledge gained and partnerships strengthened during this convening will further inform the organization’s research, programming, and community engagement initiatives.
The Rwanda National Convening reaffirmed that addressing climate change requires inclusive, coordinated, and evidence-based approaches that recognize the close links between environmental sustainability, peace, security, and gender equality. ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA remains committed to working alongside RCCDN, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, government institutions, and other partners to amplify community voices, promote climate justice, and support policies that build resilient, peaceful, and inclusive communities across Rwanda.
ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA extends its sincere appreciation to RCCDN and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation for organizing this important convening and for fostering a collaborative platform where stakeholders can jointly shape Rwanda’s climate resilience and peacebuilding agenda.
