Sweden and Rwanda to Cooperate on Emissions Trading under the Paris Agreement

Author： Hits：33 Date：2024-10-04 source：https://www.energimyndigheten.se/en/news/2024/sweden-and-rwanda-to-cooperate-on-emissions-trading-under-the-paris-agreement/

The Swedish Energy Agency and Rwanda's Ministry of the Environment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on emissions trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The next step is to agree on specific emission reduction projects and sign a legally binding bilateral framework agreement.

Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, and Martina Fors Mohlin, Chargé d'Affaires at the Swedish Embassy in Kigali

Sweden is an important partner to Rwanda, Sweden's efforts in Rwanda focus on human rights, democracy, equality, environment and climate, and promoting more inclusive economic growth. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on emissions trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement adds a new foundation to the relationship between the two countries.

"This is the first step towards establishing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote Rwanda's energy transition. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to improve the living conditions of local residents and contribute to the country's sustainable development," says Sandra Lindström, Head of the International Climate Cooperation Unit at the Swedish Energy Agency.

Combining Economic Growth with Ambitious Climate Goals

The Memorandum of Understanding was negotiated between the Swedish Energy Agency and Rwanda's Ministry of the Environment, with important support provided by the Swedish Embassy in Kigali during the drafting of the agreement.

"Rwanda has demonstrated that it is possible to combine economic growth with ambitious climate goals. Through its initiatives in sustainable energy and green development, Rwanda can serve as an inspiration for other countries," says Martina Fors Mohlin, Chargé d'Affaires at the Swedish Embassy in Kigali.

The next step is to negotiate a legally binding bilateral framework agreement on emissions trading between the two countries. Sweden has already signed Memoranda of Understanding on climate cooperation under the Paris Agreement with Nepal, the Dominican Republic, Zambia, and Switzerland. In addition, Sweden has signed a legally binding bilateral framework agreement with Ghana, where the first emissions reduction project under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement has already been launched.

About International Climate Cooperation

The purpose of international climate cooperation under the Paris Agreement is to accelerate and expand emission reductions on a global scale. The emission reductions generated by investments made under the cooperation framework can be distributed and transferred between countries, thereby contributing to each country's national emission reduction commitments.

The Swedish Energy Agency is tasked by the Swedish government with developing international climate cooperation projects under the Paris Agreement.