The event held on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C, brought together various leaders and conservationists, to celebrate global initiatives in wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation.
In his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva thanked the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) for its unwavering dedication to advancing global conservation and emphasized Rwanda's strong commitment to the cause.
'Peace and prosperity cannot be sustained, without protecting the environment that our people depend on,' Dr. Nsengigumva stated. 'That's why Rwanda has placed conservation at the heart of our national development strategy, for the past three decades.'
Reflecting on Rwanda's conservation achievements, Dr. Nsengigumva pointed out the success of the Kwita Izina program, initiated twenty years ago, which involves naming all baby mountain gorillas born in the previous year.
This initiative, he noted, came at a time when mountain gorillas were critically endangered.
'Today, thanks to our conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to over 1,000, a four-fold increase, and we can proudly say they are no longer critically endangered,' he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the restoration of Akagera National Park, where a public-private partnership with African Parks led to a dramatic rise in the park's wildlife population.
'Since then, Akagera's wildlife population has more than doubled, from fewer than 5,000 large mammals to nearly 12,000, and the park is now self-funding,' Dr. Nsengigumva revealed.
Rwanda's commitment to reintroducing species, such as lions and rhinos, was another point of pride.
Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after being decimated in 1994, followed by the return of Eastern Black Rhinos and the introduction of Southern White Rhinos, marking the largest single rhino translocation in history,' he stated, adding a lighthearted remark.
Dr. Nsengigumva stressed the vital role of local communities in Rwanda's conservation success.
"None of these results could have been achieved without the support of the communities that surround these parks. They have become the frontline defenders of wildlife in Rwanda because we always make sure that they benefit directly from wildlife conservation," he explained.
Dr. Nsengigumva also spoke about Africa's broader commitment to conservation, referencing the Kigali Call to Action for People and Nature, adopted by African leaders in 2022.
He pointed out the innovative potential within the continent's parks, from wildlife monitoring to biotechnological advancements like genomic sequencing.
'We cannot allow Africa's parks to be used by terrorist groups, or criminal organizations, to create insecurity,' the Prime Minister added, emphasizing Rwanda's commitment to preserving peace and safety in the region.
He expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump's leadership in facilitating regional peace, which includes provisions for cross-border cooperation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on wildlife conservation and tourism.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva expressed his thanks to those supporting conservation initiatives, particularly highlighting Rob Walton's remarkable contributions to the field, including the recent establishment of the African Conservation Academy in Akagera.
"When we work together, we can create a better future for our children and our planet," he concluded.
The 2025 ICCF U.S. Congressional International Conservation Leadership Gala is one of the most prominent events in Washington, D.C. dedicated to advancing bipartisan U.S. leadership in global conservation efforts.
Hosted by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the gala convenes over 200 distinguished guests, including members of the U.S. Cabinet and Congress, global policymakers and opinion leaders, international business executives and NGO leaders, celebrities and conservation advocates.
The gala serves as a platform to raise awareness and political support for habitat and biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and international collaboration.
It highlights the work of the ICCF Group in building political will and delivering cost-effective, resilient conservation solutions through its International Conservation Corps and parliamentary caucus model.
Since its inception in 2006, the gala has featured notable figures such as; King Charles III; Founder of Amazon and Bezos Earth Fund,Jeff Bezos; Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton who are also Honorary Co-Chairs of ICCF.
Théophile Niyitegeka
