First Edition
13–14 May 2025 · Kigali, Rwanda · "Advancing Research and Networking"
Overview
Under theme "Advancing Research and Networking," the First Rwanda Climate Science Symposium, held on 13–14 May 2025 in Kigali, marked the establishment of Rwanda's first structured national platform dedicated to advancing climate science, strengthening research collaboration, and promoting evidence-based climate policy and action. This event is owned and led by the Ministry of Environment and co-organized in partnership with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Rwanda Meteorology Agency, National Council for Science and Technology, Rwanda Space Agency, the University of Rwanda through the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (CoEB), the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Research and Innovation Center, and AKADEMIYA2063, with strategic technical and financial support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the Rwanda–Germany cooperation framework for strengthening climate and NDC implementation.
The scientific programme was organized around four thematic priorities: (i) measurement and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, (ii) climate observation and modelling, (iii) climate impacts and risk assessment, and (iv) adaptation and climate action. Over two days, the symposium featured plenary sessions, parallel research streams, and poster presentations delivered by 32 speakers, including 56.3% men (18) and 43.7% women (14), demonstrating strong progress toward gender-balanced scientific representation. The event convened 120 participants comprising researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners, with 61.7% male (74) and 38.3% female (46) participation.
The symposium delivered several key outcomes, including strengthened national research networking, improved visibility of Rwanda-focused climate studies, and the initiation of a Rwanda Climate Science Network to sustain collaboration beyond the event. By consolidating scientific evidence relevant to mitigation, adaptation, and risk management, the first edition laid a strong foundation for an annual symposium series and for continued science–policy engagement.
Programme
Day 1 — Tuesday 13 May 2025
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:45 |
High-Level Opening
Introduction to the Symposium
|
| 09:45 – 11:00 |
Keynote Addresses Climate Change over Africa: Global, Regional and Rwandan Findings
Climate Change Policy and Science Interaction in Rwanda
Q&A – Feedback from the Audience |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Group Photo and Break |
| 11:30 – 12:30 |
Panel Discussion — Climate Science, Networking, and Policy Advice
|
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 – 16:00 |
Parallel Breakaway Sessions — Research Streams A + B A) Measurement and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
B) Observation and Modelling of Climate Change
|
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Break |
| 16:15 – 17:00 |
Funding and Supporting Climate Research
|
| 17:00 – 17:15 | Closing of Day 1 |
Day 2 — Wednesday 14 May 2025
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:15 | Recap from Day 1 and Introduction of Day 2 |
| 09:15 – 09:45 |
Keynote Address The Importance of Linking Climate Change Action with Biodiversity Action
|
| 09:45 – 10:00 | Break |
| 10:00 – 12:00 |
Parallel Breakaway Sessions — Research Streams C + D C) Impacts of Climate Change and Risk Assessment
D) Climate Action: Adaptation to and Mitigating of Climate Change
|
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Poster Session — Research Areas A to D |
| 12:45 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 – 15:45 |
Networking for Promoting Climate Science and Evidence-Based Policy Advise on Climate Action in Rwanda
|
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Closing of the Event |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Cocktail — Informal Get-together |
Documents
This section provides access to the official documentation and knowledge products generated during the First Rwanda Climate Science Symposium. These materials capture the scientific contributions presented at the event and serve as a permanent record of the research, methods, and evidence shared across disciplines.
Book of Abstracts
Compiles all accepted abstracts across climate modelling, greenhouse gas mitigation, risk assessment, and adaptation strategies.
Oral Presentations
Slides from plenary sessions, technical talks, and thematic research streams with methodologies, datasets, and case studies.
Poster Presentations
Poster contributions presented during the symposium covering research areas A to D.
Event Photo Gallery
Highlights from across the two-day symposium — scientific exchanges, networking sessions, and thematic discussions.
Second Edition
22–23 September 2026 · Kigali, Rwanda · "Where Rwanda's climate research meets policy"
Overview
Building on the success of the inaugural symposium, the 2nd Rwanda Climate Science Symposium (RCSS 2026) will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, and early-career scientists to advance climate science and strengthen evidence-based climate action. Organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and its partners, the symposium serves as a national platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the interface between science, policy, and practice.
RCSS 2026 marks a strategic progression from convening to action. The symposium will showcase emerging research, strengthen partnerships, facilitate dialogue on Rwanda's climate priorities, and support the translation of scientific evidence into practical solutions for climate resilience and low-carbon development. While firmly anchored in Rwanda's context, the symposium will also welcome comparative perspectives from across Africa to promote learning, innovation, and regional collaboration.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and development partners working at the forefront of climate action. Through plenary discussions, technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities, RCSS 2026 will continue to strengthen Rwanda's position as a regional leader in evidence-based climate action.
Why Participate?
- Connect with Rwanda's climate science and policy community.
- Engage with leading national, regional, and international experts.
- Explore new partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
- Contribute to shaping climate resilience and sustainable development pathways.
- Support the advancement of science-informed climate policy and action.
Call for Abstracts
We welcome submissions focused on Rwanda's climate priorities, as well as comparative studies from across Africa that generate insights relevant to Rwanda's context. Abstracts should align with one of the following thematic areas:
Agriculture and Food Systems
Climate-smart agriculture, cooling and cold chain, low-emission farming, sustainable land management, agroforestry, climate-resilient crops, and agricultural innovations and technologies that strengthen food security and climate resilience.
Climate Data & Monitoring Systems
Reliable climate data is the foundation of effective climate action. This theme covers areas such as climate observations, modelling, remote sensing, artificial intelligence applications, greenhouse gas inventories, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV), and early warning systems.
Urbanization, Infrastructure & Energy
Climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy systems are essential for sustainable development in the face of increasing climate risks. This theme covers climate-resilient cities, transport systems, housing, infrastructure planning, renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies, and pathways for sustainable urban and economic growth.
Nature-Based Solutions & Ecosystems
Healthy ecosystems provide some of the most effective and cost-efficient responses to climate change. This theme covers forests, wetlands and peatlands, biodiversity, ecosystem services, restoration initiatives, and community-based adaptation.
Health–Climate Nexus
Protecting human health is critical for building climate resilience. This theme covers climate impacts on health, heat stress, disease dynamics, nutrition security, and climate-resilient health systems.
Submissions may include completed, ongoing, or planned studies. Priority will be given to completed studies and research expected to be completed by September 2026, particularly where findings can inform policy and implementation.
Abstracts (maximum 250 words) must be submitted in English using the official template. All submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee, and selected abstracts will be invited for oral or poster presentations.
Note: Submissions from early-career researchers and women scientists are strongly encouraged.
Abstract Submission Closed
The submission deadline (10 July 2026) has passed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract — we are no longer accepting new submissions.
1 UNFCCC Consultative Group of Experts — Measurement, Reporting and Verification Technical Material. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/transparency-and-reporting/support-for-developing-countries/consultative-group-of-experts/measurement-reporting-and-verification-technical-material