The Ministry of Environment described her election as a positive milestone for Rwanda, reflecting the country’s growing leadership, particularly in promoting environmental conservation initiatives.
Dr Arakwiye was elected during MOP38, which is taking place in Kigali from November 2 to 6, 2026. The meeting brings together countries that have signed the Montreal Protocol and its amendment adopted in Kigali in 2016.
As chair, Dr Arakwiye will lead discussions assessing the progress countries have made in implementing agreements aimed at protecting the ozone layer. The discussions will review achievements and identify areas requiring further action.
The sessions she is leading focus on strengthening international cooperation and promoting joint strategies to protect the ozone layer, as the world continues to seek solutions to the effects of climate change.
The Montreal Protocol was adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and use of gases and other chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, which protects living organisms from harmful solar radiation.
In 2016, the Kigali Amendment to the protocol was adopted in Rwanda. It focuses on reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), gases commonly used in cooling equipment but which contribute significantly to global warming.
MOP38 is being held in Kigali nearly 10 years after Rwanda hosted the negotiations that led to the adoption of the Kigali Amendment. The meeting also provides an opportunity to review countries’ efforts to implement measures aimed at protecting the climate.
Who Is Dr Bernadette Arakwiye?
Dr Bernadette Arakwiye holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the former National University of Rwanda and a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University. She later earned a PhD in geography from Clark University in Massachusetts, United States.
After studying in the United States and the United Kingdom, she conducted research at various international institutions working in environmental conservation and geographical sciences.
Before her appointment as Minister of Environment, Dr Arakwiye served as the Africa Director of the Land Restoration Programme at the World Resources Institute (WRI).
She also chaired the board responsible for overseeing a programme focused on land conservation in Africa. Before that, she worked as a researcher at Conservation International in the United States.
She previously served as an associate researcher at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.
Dr Arakwiye was appointed Minister of Environment on July 24, 2025, replacing Dr Valentine Uwamariya.
