Feature story
Over 50 participants—including representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, ministries of environment, UN agencies, and civil society organizations—gathered in Kigali from 6-7 August for a regional symposium on disability and climate change. The meeting was organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, FELM, and the National Union of Disability Organisations in Rwanda.
The symposium was held following the successful completion of the “Her Resilience Enabled” project—an initiative of the WCC Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network—in Rwanda and Burundi, which aimed to improve the resilience of women and girls with disabilities to the impacts of climate change. Participants shared how the project had fostered institutional change and empowered women to take leadership in climate adaptation.
“From the time the ministry of emergency management in Rwanda started interacting with the ‘Her Resilience Enabled’ project, the perception about persons with disabilities has changed,” said Brenda Chantal, representing Rwanda’s Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management.
“During planning processes, their needs are considered and budget allocated. In disaster committees, persons with disabilities are now represented. The ministry has appointed a disability focal point.”
Mukarera Florence, a member of the Union of Persons with disabilities in Burundi spoke of personal transformation resulting from the project. “I committed to maintaining a kitchen garden and planted more fruit trees than I received from the project. These activities gave me a voice and recognition in my home and community. I have chosen to share this knowledge with others who could not participate.”
Multiple barriers remain
Despite the progress, participants noted persistent, intersecting barriers that hinder full participation of persons with disabilities in climate action.
“Persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, face cultural and social stigma, socioeconomic marginalization, inaccessible infrastructure and services, limited access to information and early warning systems, and exclusion from decision-making processes,” said Emile Cadet Vuningabo, National Union of Disabled Organisations of Rwanda head of programs.
Discussions emphasized that climate policies and disaster risk reduction strategies must be co-designed with persons with disabilities, not for them, if they are to be effective and equitable.
Theological call to inclusion
The symposium also rooted its advocacy in theology and faith-based values.
“In sharing our stories and lessons learnt, we draw our mandate from the World Council of Churches document The Gift of Being: Called to be a Church of All and for All,” said Anjeline Okola, WCC Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network programme coordinator. “Creation is an act of love. By caring for creation, we uphold the dignity of every person, including those with disabilities.”
Pastor Rukundo Christophe from the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda reflected on the biblical creation story: “Genesis 1:31 affirms that God declared all He created as ‘very good.’ Every person, including those with disabilities, is created in the image of God. Honoring that truth demands that environmental justice is inclusive. Justice for the earth must include justice for all.”
From Kigali to Brazil
With COP30 approaching under the anticipated theme “Delivering Climate Action through Equity and Resilience,” participants committed to pushing for disability-inclusive climate action at national, regional, and global levels.
The symposium concluded with calls to ensure climate financing is accessible to organisations of persons with disabilities, early warning systems are disability-friendly, and national adaptation plans integrate the priorities of persons with disabilities.
“Our shared commitment to justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of creation compels us to act,” said Okola. “Resilience is only real when it is shared—by everyone, for everyone.”
Learn more about the work of the Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network (EDAN)
