UK University to hold forum in Kigali

The London School of Economics and Political Science jointly with the Government of Rwanda, are set to hold a forum on Africa Climate Change in Kigali from 10-11 September this year.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The London School of Economics and Political Science jointly with the Government of Rwanda, are set to hold a forum on Africa Climate Change in Kigali from 10-11 September this year.

The two-day event under the theme ‘Sustainable Adaptation: Development and Human Rights’, will be addressed by President Paul Kagame.

The conference aims at exploring opportunities relating to the implementation of Africa’s climate change adaptation policy framework by focusing discussion on the impact of climate change on development, governance and human rights.

Exploring Africa’s Climate Change adaptation strategy and considering the media’s role in the public debate and education and opportunities for the private sector are other key issues to discuss.

"Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change in terms of human security and development. It is widely recognised that developing countries will be hit hardest and soonest by climate change. Adaptation is considered critical in responding to the impacts of climate change and offers opportunities to support sustainable development”, a statement posted on the University website is quoted as saying.

"This is a high-level opportunity to meet interested parties in the fields of climate change, development, human rights bringing together policy-makers, governments, academic experts, business leaders, non-governmental and the media in Africa”, the statement also reads in part. 

Niamh McClean, the forum manager told The New Times that other key speakers will include Dr. Donald Kaberuka, the President of the African Development Bank, Sir Howard Davies, the director of London School of Economics and Mary Robinson, the former Irish President.

London School of Economics is ranked fourth among the top ten universities in the UK. University of Oxford is ranked first followed by the University of Cambridge and the Imperial College London respectively.

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