Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, has urged countries to turn environmental commitments into practical action, with greater emphasis on sustainable cooling and its benefits for communities.
He addressed the opening of the high-level segment of the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, known as MOP38, in Kigali on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
The meeting runs from 2 to 6 November, bringing together governments and international partners to review implementation of the agreement.
It coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment, which established international commitments to reduce powerful greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Cooling connects climate action with everyday needs
PM highlighted the importance of cooling for agriculture, healthcare and protection from extreme heat. Reliable cold storage helps farmers preserve produce, while refrigeration supports the safe storage and distribution of vaccines and medicines.
He also called for stronger international cooperation, investment in infrastructure and training, and technologies suited to developing countries’ needs. His message linked the transition to cleaner cooling with wider access to essential services.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment identifies energy efficiency as a central part of that transition. Combining refrigerants with lower global-warming potential and more efficient equipment can reduce emissions, electricity demand and operating costs.
Ten years of the Kigali Amendment
Countries adopted the Kigali Amendment on 15 October 2016 during the 28th Meeting of the Parties in Rwanda’s capital.
It added hydrofluorocarbons, commonly known as HFCs, to the substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol.
HFCs differ from the ozone-depleting chemicals that the original agreement targeted. They do not damage the ozone layer, but many trap substantially more heat than carbon dioxide.
The amendment requires participating countries to progressively reduce HFC production and consumption under different timetables. The Ozone Secretariat estimates that full implementation could avoid up to 0.5°C of additional global warming by 2100.
Technical programme addresses illegal trade and refrigerant management
Alongside the negotiations, UNEP’s OzonAction programme scheduled discussions on the practical challenges of enforcing the agreement.
A session scheduled for 2 November focused on illegal trade in controlled substances. Its programme covered changing trade patterns, national enforcement experiences and the growing role of online marketplaces.
Another session, scheduled for 4 November, addressed refrigerant management throughout the life of cooling equipment. Topics included identifying existing stocks, recovering refrigerants, recycling, reclamation and environmentally sound disposal.
The programme also examined cross-border movements of controlled chemicals and related equipment, bringing together expertise from the Ozone Secretariat, UNIDO and the secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions.
Rwanda links negotiations with technology and partnerships
Rwanda’s programme around MOP38 includes activities at the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain, known as ACES. These focus on technologies, professional skills and cooling systems that support implementation of the Kigali Amendment.
An innovation exhibition at the Kigali Convention Centre also forms part of the programme, connecting manufacturers and development partners with climate-friendly cooling technologies.
On Friday, 6 November, Rwanda and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition plan to convene a ministerial meeting of the Friends of the Kigali Amendment.
Its agenda covers wider participation in the amendment, implementation, access to finance and technology, and cooperation with industry.
The ministerial gathering falls on the final scheduled day of MOP38. Its announced priorities include expanding access to affordable, efficient and sustainable cooling equipment.
