Rwanda is set to host the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP38) from November 2 to November 6, 2026, bringing representatives from around the world to Kigali to discuss efforts to protect the ozone layer.
The ozone layer plays an important role in protecting the Earth from harmful solar radiation and safeguarding environmental health.
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Rwanda Marks 10 Years of Kigali Amendment
Rwanda signed the Montreal Protocol in 2003, joining international efforts to reduce and prevent the use of substances that damage the ozone layer.
The upcoming meeting will also mark 10 years since countries adopted the Kigali Amendment in Kigali in 2016.
Environment Minister Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye said Rwanda is pleased to welcome countries back to Kigali for the anniversary.
She said: “Rwanda is pleased to once again welcome nations from around the world to Kigali, ten years after representatives from various countries gathered here to adopt the Kigali Amendment; this is an opportunity to celebrate the progress achieved and a moment to assess the requirements for implementing our commitments,”
Kigali Amendment Targets HFCs
The Kigali Amendment focuses on reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), gases widely used in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
Although HFCs do not directly deplete the ozone layer, they are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Countries have committed to reducing their use and promoting cooling technologies that are more environmentally friendly and have lower global warming potential.
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Countries to Review Progress
The MOP38 meeting will provide an opportunity for countries to assess their progress in implementing the Kigali Amendment and identify what is still needed to meet their commitments.
Minister Arakwiye said the meeting will help countries review achievements while determining the next steps.
she said: “MOP38 is an opportunity to review the progress made so far, while also identifying what else is needed to ensure our commitments are implemented sustainably,”
Ozone Protection Can Support Other Sectors
According to the Minister, reducing HFC use while improving the efficiency of cooling equipment can contribute to climate protection while also supporting other areas of development.
she said: “These actions can play a significant role in protecting the climate, while also yielding benefits for food security, healthcare, and economic development,”
Efficient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies are particularly important for sectors that depend on refrigeration and temperature-controlled systems.
Ozone Secretariat Highlights International Cooperation
Megumi Seki Nakamura, Executive Secretary of the Ozone Secretariat, said the return of the meeting to Kigali provides an opportunity to examine what international cooperation has achieved over the past decade.
she said: “Ten years after the adoption of the Kigali Amendment, the meeting’s return to Kigali offers an opportunity to assess achievements and consolidate them for the years ahead,”
The November meeting is expected to bring countries together to review progress and discuss the next steps in implementing commitments under the Kigali Amendment.
