Rwanda is taking a prominent role in a renewed global drive to accelerate sustainable cooling, strengthen climate action and unlock new opportunities for resilient development as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol marks its 10th anniversary.
The new momentum was highlighted in New York during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, where governments launched the Friends of the Kigali Amendment, a high-level coalition focused on accelerating implementation of the landmark agreement and expanding access to sustainable cooling worldwide.
Rwanda, together with Brazil and the United Kingdom, Co-Chairs of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), presented a new Ministerial Communiqué outlining four priority areas: strong implementation of the Kigali Amendment; sustainable and energy-efficient cooling and refrigerant management; increased finance, technology and capacity; and stronger industry and partnerships.
Importantly, the initiative comes ahead of MOP38, which Rwanda will host in Kigali in November, positioning the country as an important platform for the next phase of international cooperation on sustainable cooling.
“At a time when meaningful climate action has never been more urgent, the Kigali Amendment remains one of the clearest opportunities we have to deliver significant results. Rwanda looks forward to welcoming the world back to Kigali for MOP38, as we celebrate ten years of the Amendment and renew our commitment to its implementation,” said Dr Bernadette Arakwiye, Minister of Environment of Rwanda.
A growing opportunity for climate-friendly cooling
At the same time, the global demand for cooling is expanding rapidly. The number of air conditioners worldwide is projected to rise from 1.6 billion units in 2018 to 5.6 billion by 2050, creating a major opportunity to scale up energy-efficient and climate-friendly technologies.
The Kigali Amendment, adopted in Rwanda in 2016, established a global phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
As implementation advances, the agreement could help avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100. Further climate gains can also be achieved through improved energy efficiency in cooling equipment.
Moreover, sustainable cooling is becoming increasingly important across sectors, supporting food security, healthcare systems, vaccine and medicine preservation, digital infrastructure, productivity and resilience to extreme heat.
Philanthropy strengthens support
Alongside government action, major climate philanthropies (financial supporters) are stepping up their support for the next phase of implementation.
The Sequoia Climate Foundation and other climate philanthropies announced a new joint strategy to accelerate HFC emissions reductions and sustainable cooling, as well as a US$100 million philanthropic funding goal to support these efforts.
“The philanthropic community is mobilizing to support fast action on super pollutants – which account for up to 70% of avoidable warming by 2050 – including making sure we follow the most ambitious and accelerated path for implementing the Kigali Amendment and delivering sustainable, climate-friendly cooling as the world rapidly warms”, said Christie Ulman, President of Sequoia Climate Foundation.
Furthermore, the Friends of the Kigali Amendment builds on years of cooperation through the CCAC, which helped advance scientific research on HFCs, demonstrate alternatives, support national inventories and strengthen political support for the Kigali Amendment.
“Ten years ago, countries showed what is possible when political ambition, science and practical solutions come together,” said Martina Otto, Head of the CCAC Secretariat. “The CCAC was proud to help build momentum towards the Kigali Amendment, and the Friends can bring that same spirit to the next decade, accelerating sustainable cooling and delivering benefits for climate, health and development.”
Kigali Prepares for Global Sustainable Cooling Talks
Looking ahead, members of the Friends of the Kigali Amendment will meet again in Kigali during MOP38 and on the margins of COP31 to review progress, assess commitments and identify further actions.
As of August 2026, 174 of the 198 Parties to the Montreal Protocol had ratified the Kigali Amendment, reflecting broad international participation in the global effort.
For Rwanda, hosting MOP38 provides another opportunity to bring countries and partners together in Kigali, build on a decade of progress, and help shape the next chapter of global action for sustainable cooling, climate resilience, and a healthier future.
