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23 July 2025
Rwandan local governments share views to align national climate ambitions with local realities
Rwanda is taking significant steps towards more inclusive and effective climate action by actively engaging local authorities in the development of its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0).
The NDC 3.0 will outline the country’s revised goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change while reflecting Rwanda’s climate ambition and global climate expectations. Under the Paris Agreement, every country is required to set its national climate targets, known as NDCs. These targets are updated and strengthened every five years, following the principle of progression and increased ambition over time.
Recognising that climate policy implementation happens at the local level, a consultative workshop brought together Rwandan local government stakeholders to contribute directly to the development of NDC 3.0. This process will ensure that local priorities and on-the-ground realities inform the country’s updated climate targets.
The workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Environment, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA), WRI Rwanda and ICLEI, through the UrbanShift project.
“The role of local governments is essential to achieving Rwanda’s climate goals.”
— Dominique Habimana, Secretary General, RALGA
Key outcomes include:
- Local governments confirmed that their priority interventions were well-represented in Rwanda’s NDC3.0 draft.
- Balanced adaptation and mitigation approaches are crucial for climate finance mobilisation at the local level.
- Capacity building in agriculture and climate action technologies is a priority for local governments as Rwanda targets a middle-income status by 2035.
- There was a strong consensus that the NDC 3.0 must be fully aligned with District Development Strategies (DDS) to ensure harmonised planning and budgeting across all levels of government.
- Strengthening monitoring, reporting, and verification capacities is necessary to clarify stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and track progress.
This process signals Rwanda’s commitment to multilevel governance. ICLEI is proud to support this effort, affirming that local governments are central to climate implementation, innovation and ambition
