Kigali Global Dialogue

The Kigali Global Dialogue was a prominent international forum that brought together policymakers, academics, civil society representatives, and private sector leaders from around the world to address pressing sustainable development challenges. The three-day event was co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, ORF America, and Rwanda’s leadership, including the Rwanda Governance Board and Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The dialogue was held three times—in 2019, 2021, and 2022—with the inaugural edition in 2019 attracting over 350 participants from 50 countries and emphasizing inclusivity, with more than half of the speakers being women.

The dialogue aimed to challenge traditional development orthodoxies, foster an inclusive platform for debate, and build partnerships to advance innovative solutions. It took place against a backdrop of geopolitical, social, ecological, and economic upheavals exacerbated by the pandemic. The forum highlighted that many legacy development systems, especially those established by high-income countries, had failed to deliver sustainable and equitable progress worldwide. As a result, new development institutions, financial arrangements, and models were urgently needed and were beginning to emerge.

The dialogue underscored the growing leadership of African nations, particularly Rwanda, in creating adaptable and sustainable development strategies. Their successes were seen as templates for other regions seeking development pathways more responsive to climate change and socio-economic imperatives. Overall, the Kigali Global Dialogue served as a unique platform that facilitated global exchange and collaboration to shape the future of sustainable development.