UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth visits Rwanda ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

The UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, visited Rwanda (28-30 April) as the UK prepares to hand over the role of Commonwealth Chair-in-Office to Rwanda in June.

Meeting with President Kagame, Foreign Minister Biruta and Environment Minister Mujawamariya, the Minister discussed preparations to hold a safe and successful CHOGM, and the UK’s work as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office – for example, the Girls’ Education Challenge, which has funded up to 1.5 million marginalised girls across 11 Commonwealth countries, including Rwanda.

Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth, said: “This was a thoroughly productive visit, as Rwanda prepares to host Commonwealth leaders in June. I thanked President Kagame and the Government of Rwanda for their work to prepare for this important summit.

“CHOGM 2021 is a key opportunity to boost momentum towards COP26. We hope that Commonwealth leaders will agree a strong statement on climate and use CHOGM to demonstrate greater ambition in climate change commitments.”

Lord Ahmad paid his respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide, laying a wreath at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The Minister also met human rights defenders and journalists during his three-day visit to Rwanda, and launched a schools’ pack with a variety of activities to introduce young people to the Commonwealth family of nations.