Members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) united under Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) voiced a need to unite and strengthen the network to reach their goals, this was during a meeting on 22nd December 2021 at Hilltop hotel in Kigali.
RCCDN members were meeting in a one-day workshop to review the progress toward the harmonization of agriculture policy and environment and climate change policy framework.
The Chairman of the Board of RCCDN, Eugene Rwibasira underscored the need to work together as civil society organizations saying that it will help to be more efficient especially in similar activities that different organisations may be implementing and learn from each other.
Rwibasira explained that a united front will also ensure that CSOs contributions toward the reduction of green gas emission are more recognizable on the national level than each one operating independently.
Currently, RCCDN has grown the number of members to 67 civil society organisations working in different sectors having a direct link with the climate change, related environment and disaster risk management from the community level up to the national level.
Different member organisations working across the country support communities to cope with climate challenges for sustainable development.
During the discussions, members emphasized complementarity in operations and asked the RCCDN secretariat to continue the coordination of activities.
Betty Gahima, the Executive Secretary of Benishyaka appreciated what RCCDN has achieved in a short period since it was formed. She said that the network is growing at a fast speed which is a good indication that a lot will be achieved.
Other members welcomed the achievements of the network which became a fully integrated and autonomous organization this year but its successes have already been recognized on the national, regional and global level.
Donatha Nibagwire, the assistant coordinator of RCCDN called for members to be more active in the network and always carry out their commitments giving an example of annual subscriptions to the network which many have not effected yet.
She applauded those that had fulfilled their commitments which will have a positive impact to the network in unifying them as well as how other partners look at RCCDN.
The members of RCCDN present at the workshop agreed to do more starting with clearing the annual subscriptions before the end of January next year.
The workshop was presented with a planning and reporting template that members can use back in their organisations. The document presented will enhance proper implementation of activities and streamline their contributions.
