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This significant event focuses on fostering disability-inclusive climate change policies and programs in the country. The dialogue is a pivotal component of the "Her Resilience Enabled Project," which aims to enhance the resilience of women and girls with disabilities to climate change impacts in both Burundi and Rwanda.
The National Dialogue on Disability Inclusive Climate Change Policies and Programmes in Burundi represents a crucial step towards ensuring the resilience of women and girls with disabilities in the face of climate change impacts. By fostering collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders, the event aims to drive positive change and promote a more inclusive approach to climate change policies and programming.
“In the 21st century, climate change has negatively impacted every human being in various ways. Natural catastrophes such as storms, floods, high temperatures, and insufficient rainfall have led to famines and the spread of pandemics. Unfortunately, the future appears bleak, particularly for citizens in underdeveloped countries. Therefore, everyone must raise their voices and take action in the field of climate change to alter the trajectory of potential outcomes,” said Rev. François Bayavuge, coordinator of IPDCDP-Friends Church Burundi.
He further said that the Burundi National Dialogue holds great importance as it aims to involve all stakeholders including the government, civil society, financial partners, community members, and owners of industrial companies. This inclusive approach is essential to advocate for and take action on climate change, ensuring a better life for future generations.
The national dialogue convened esteemed participants, including government officials from climate change and environment ministries, members of the parliamentary committee on environment and climate change, church leaders, representatives from civil society organizations, and organizations representing persons with disabilities. Together, they engaged in insightful discussions on the current state of inclusion for women and girls with disabilities in climate change policies and programs.
Greeting the participants, Rev. Dr Peter Cruchley, director of the WCC Commission for World Mission and Evangelism, underscored the importance of integrating mission work with the preservation of creation. He urged participants to include marginalized individuals in policy discussions, as they often bear a disproportionate burden. WCC-EDAN expressed anticipation for the recommendations that would emerge from the national dialogue and pledged to collaborate closely with churches, the government, and organizations representing people with disabilities to safeguard the environment and promote the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities.
Rev. Acher Niyonizigiye, a member of the Free Methodist Church, in his keynote speech, emphasized key principles that must be upheld in caring for God's creation. He highlighted that creation is a divine gift as depicted in the Holy Scriptures, with God dedicating time to meticulously craft the earth and everything within it in a perfect manner. He encouraged participants to play an active role in making lives less burdensome by assuming responsibility for the wellbeing of the environment and adhering to the principles of good stewardship.
During his introduction to the project, Alexis Havyariman, legal representative of Union Des Personnes Handicapees Du Burundi (Associations of Persons with Disabilities Network of Burundi)), emphasized the key objectives, which included raising awareness among decision-makers about the importance of including people with disabilities in the decision-making process. He also highlighted the project's efforts to protect individuals with disabilities in Burundi. Havyariman stressed the necessity of establishing commissions to monitor and propose measures for environmental protection. Furthermore, he stated that the National Dialogue is organized to provide participants with the knowledge to develop projects related to climate change.
By exploring the existing climate change policies and programs implemented by the government, churches, and other influential stakeholders in Burundi, the dialogue seeks to identify areas for improvement and collaboration. This National Dialogue represents a critical step toward creating a more inclusive and resilient society, where the unique needs and experiences of women and girls with disabilities are at the forefront of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Through collaborative efforts and informed dialogue, the participants aim to drive positive change and foster a more equitable and sustainable future for all.