Umwiherero – National Leadership Retreat
Umwiherero is an ancient Rwandan tradition whereby leaders would go on a retreat to reflect on issues affecting their communities. The practice has been translated into a modern policy making and evaluation tool that sees leaders from across government met, reflect on the past year and plan ahead. The event is held over two to three days and is chance for leaders to solve problems that Rwandans are facing. This year’s event will be held at the Gabiro School of Combat in Gatsibo District and will focus on public service delivery, the MICE sector, the health sector and basic infrastructure development.
Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony – Kwita Izina
In 2015 Rwanda will hold the 11th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony. Rwanda’s community led conservation efforts have led to a 26.3% growth in the population of gorillas since 2003 and Kwita Izina has been key to this success. Kwita Izina is inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of naming babies soon after they are born. In the ten years since the event was established, over 160 gorillas have been named in a celebration of nature and the communities who protect the majestic mountain gorilla. The event will bring together thousands of Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and celebrities to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park.
Kwibuka21 | 7 April – 4 July
The twenty-first commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi will bring together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from around the world to remember the victims, stand alongside survivors and look for the future with hope, optimism and unity. Kwibuka is the Kinyarwanda word for ‘remember’. Events will take place around the world including flame lightings, memorial services, Walk to Remember marches, candle lit vigils and the proper burial of newly found victims. Rwandan missions abroad and international institutions will also host Kwibuka21 events. Commemoration begins on April 7 will conclude on 4 July with Liberation Day celebrations. Visit www.kwibukw a.rfor more information.
Transform Africa Summit
The second Transform Africa summit will be held in Kigali from 29 October 2015 and is set to attract more than 1,000 participants from all over the world. The summit is co-organised by the Government of Rwanda and the International Telecommunications Union, with the support of the World Bank. Transform Africa will feature five key events: Leaders Summit, Conference, Youth Innovation Extravaganza, Exhibition and an Award Ceremony. This year’s summit will be chaired by President Paul Kagame and attended by Heads of State and Ministers from Africa and across the globe, senior executives of global and African ICT companies, heads of international and regional organisations, financial institutions and international and local media.
Interpol International General Assembly
On 7 November 2014, Rwanda officially received the Interpol flag – a symbol given to the nation that will host its next Annual General Assembly. The event is set to be held in Kigali in November and will bring together 1,500 participants from Interpol’s 190 member countries to discuss issues including cross-boarder crimes, cyber crime, human trafficking and the drug trade. Rwanda is an active member of the Interpol community and works with regional and international partners to tackle organised crime and bring criminals to justice. Hosting the assembly will be an opportunity for Rwanda to share its highly successful community policing programmes.
Umushyikirano – National Dialogue Council
The 13th edition of Rwanda’s National Dialogue Council, known as Umushyikirano, will take place in December. The event is chaired by the President and is as a platform for the nation to share ideas and solutions to the existing challenges. Umushyikirano draws its strength from the direct participation of citizens and by holding leaders accountable. This year’s Umushyikirano will bring together representatives of local government, civil society and members of the Rwandan community abroad to debate issues relating to the state of the nation, the state of local government and national unity. Visit www.umushyikirano.gov.rw to learn more.
