An annual series documenting research, facilitating dialogue, and building Rwanda's climate science community.
13–14 May 2025 · Kigali, Rwanda · "Advancing Research and Networking"
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
Compiles all accepted abstracts across climate modelling, greenhouse gas mitigation, risk assessment, and adaptation strategies.
Slides from plenary sessions, technical talks, and thematic research streams with methodologies, datasets, and case studies.
Poster contributions presented during the symposium covering research areas A to D.
Highlights from across the two-day symposium — scientific exchanges, networking sessions, and thematic discussions.
Information will be displayed soon.