Reflecting on Rwanda's two-year term as Commonwealth Chair-In-Office, the Rwandan Head of State noted the particular climate vulnerabilities faced by small island nations like Samoa, which this year became the first Pacific island state to host CHOGM.
'Temperatures are rising, and for small island developing states in the Pacific and the Caribbean, this is literally a matter of survival,' Kagame emphasized.
As the world prepares for the forthcoming COP-29, an annual international conference that addresses climate change, President Kagame stressed the need for genuine commitments, specifically urging wealthy nations to increase climate financing for developing countries without adding to their debt burdens.
'What will make us cross the finish line in the fight against climate change is more finance from wealthy countries. Still, our collective efforts must not stop there,' Kagame stated.
'The terms must be favourable, without pushing developing countries into more debt," he added.
Rwanda, he noted, continues to back the Sustainable Markets Initiative led by King Charles III, advocating for green investments across Commonwealth countries.
President Kagame also highlighted the need to empower young people, whom he described as the Commonwealth's comparative advantageâ€"a unique and valuable asset for the 56-member community.
'Creating digital jobs for women and young people should remain at the top of the agenda this year,' he added.
He also stressed the Commonwealth's potential to harness technology for sustainable development, saying, 'We must rely on the potential for innovation and technology to resolve the daunting challenge of rising unemployment and irregular migration.'
'Artificial intelligence should not become a problem. If we use it responsibly and establish sound policies, we can transcend the realm of our imagination and become even more resilient.'
President Kagame has served as Chairperson of the Commonwealth since June 2022, after Rwanda successfully hosted CHOGM.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, he congratulated Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa and wished her success as Chair, assuring her of Rwanda's support.
'It has been a great honour for Rwanda to serve as Chair-in-Office for the past two years,' he stated.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
