Coinciding with the observance of World Water Day, the initiative was themed "Leveraging Water for Peace and Prosperity," reflecting the global 2024 theme and underscoring the essential linkage between water management and sustainable development goals.

The newly unveiled strategy and finance plan, developed under the esteemed Global Water Leadership Programme and backed by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), provide a detailed blueprint aimed at enhancing Rwanda’s water resilience.

This strategic framework stands as a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to navigating the complexities of climate-induced water challenges.

François Tetero, Chairperson of the Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa, stressed the importance of joint efforts towards a water-resilient future.

"Through innovation and collective action, we can safeguard our water resources for generations to come," Tetero articulated, urging stakeholders to band together in this critical endeavor.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, George Sanga, the Regional Coordinator for the Global Water Partnership in Eastern Africa highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change impacts.

"Our aim is universal access to water and sustainability," Sanga noted, emphasizing the strategic importance of managing water resources efficiently to mitigate the effects of scarcity and abundance.

The strategy encourages empowering local entities in water management, integrating resilience into land use planning, fostering sustainable land practices, and broadening the dissemination of sustainable water management knowledge.

It also brings attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable groups, particularly children, advocating for a reconsideration of child health and well-being from an ecological sustainability perspective.

The event also spotlighted the gendered consequences of climate change, pointing out the rise in waterborne diseases, gender-based violence, and increased school dropout rates among girls. This focus underscores the critical need for gender equality and social inclusion in the efforts towards water resilience.

Involving representatives from various sectors, the launch facilitated discussions on the nexus between climate change, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The conversations highlighted the vital need for collaborative water management to promote peace, prosperity, and resilience against common challenges.

Evariste Nsabimana, the Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Water Resources Board, presented a forward-looking roadmap during the launch.

"Working together with various organizations, we aim to strengthen water resilience in Rwanda. This comprehensive plan is our roadmap toward achieving water security, in line with our national goals," Nsabimana stated.

The Response Strategy and Finance Plan for a climate-resilient integrated water resources and WASH services in Rwanda represent significant milestones in the country’s path toward improved resilience, health, and well-being for its citizens.

As the global and local communities commemorated the World Water Day, the collective message resonated clearly: cooperation on water management extends beyond conserving a precious resource—it lays the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

The launch featured discussions on the nexus between climate change, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

The event spotlighted the gendered consequences of climate change, pointing out the rise in waterborne diseases, gender-based violence, and increased school dropout rates among girls.