Israel and Rwanda Discuss Climate and Legal Cooperation in Kigali
Israel and Rwanda explored cooperation in climate policy, international law, and vocational training during the Montreal Protocol summit in Kigali, where Israel officially ratified the Kigali Amendment.
Israel and Rwanda explored avenues for cooperation in climate policy, international law, and vocational training during a series of meetings held by an Israeli delegation in Kigali. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, hosted in the Rwandan capital from November 2 to 6.
Climate and Legal Cooperation
During a meeting with the Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Rwanda, the officials discussed reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing international environmental commitments, and advancing green technologies. At the Ministry of Justice, representatives from both nations examined opportunities for knowledge exchange and expertise in international law. Furthermore, discussions with senior officials responsible for labor and vocational training focused on Israel's experience in workforce development and adapting skills to changing market demands.
The Israeli delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Labor, accompanied by the Israeli Embassy in Kigali and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Israel's Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, hosted the delegation at her residence, and the embassy organized a guided tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Ratification of the Kigali Amendment
During the conference, Israel announced its official ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Adopted in 2016 and named after the Rwandan capital, the amendment establishes a mechanism for the gradual reduction of HFC greenhouse gases, which are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and have a high global warming potential. The Montreal Protocol was originally designed to protect the ozone layer by curbing substances that deplete it.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of October 30, 2026, some 176 countries and parties had ratified the amendment. The conference concluded with the adoption of resolutions calling on remaining parties to ratify the agreement, improving institutional efficiency, and addressing technical solutions for advanced cooling technologies alongside measures against illegal trade.
