Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, urged for unified global action to address pressing challenges during the United Nations Summit of the Future, which began on September 22 ahead of the 79th UN General Assembly.
The summit emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation to tackle critical issues such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises.
“This summit marks the beginning of transformative action essential for the well-being of our global community,” Nduhungirehe said, reaffirming Rwanda’s full support for the Pact for the Future, which was signed during the high-level summit.
He described the Pact as a roadmap for confronting key global challenges, including climate change, conflict, and health crises. Nduhungirehe underscored Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable and just world.
“The decisions we make today will shape the world of tomorrow,” he stated, calling for a shift from traditional reactive approaches to proactive and innovative solutions.
“For Rwanda, the Pact for the Future represents our collective vision and commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time,” he added.
Nduhungirehe emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of global issues rather than merely responding to their symptoms. “We must move beyond business as usual and adopt strategies that extend beyond short-term fixes,” he said.
He highlighted the need for resilient systems capable of adapting to evolving challenges, particularly in climate change and pandemic preparedness. “To ensure sustainable development, we must build structures that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow,” he noted.
The minister also pointed to the necessity of strengthening global health systems, resolving conflicts by addressing their underlying causes, and leveraging technology for equitable development.
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to actively participating in global efforts and called on member states to collaborate in transforming the aspirations outlined in the Pact for the Future into concrete actions.
“Together, let us turn our shared aspirations into tangible results that benefit all of humanity,” Nduhungirehe concluded.
