UNDP Rwanda Mission Statement

UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

We are working with Rwandans as they reduce poverty, create jobs, improve opportunities for women and conserve the environment. As Rwandans develop local capacity to take on their country’s development challenges, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

The assistance of UNDP in Rwanda is focused around five major practice areas namely; Democratic governance; Poverty reduction; Crisis prevention and recovery; Energy and the environment; and HIV/AIDS.

As part of our broader effort to secure peace and development on the continent, Africans and their overseas partners are increasingly focused to try to find methods to remove the links between natural wealth and armed conflict. Natural resources, including diamonds have often played what some call a ‘negative role’ in many of largest African wars.

The presence in the earth of diamonds and other such resources isn’t a ‘curse’ or by itself destined to cause conflict. Taking a broader view of diamonds and their role in conflicts throughout Africa, it seems apparent that at the centre of the issue is a problem with governance.

Unfortunately there is no better symbol of the link between conflict and African resources than diamonds. They are small and can therefore be easily transported and often smuggled. The price on the world markets can buy many weapons, can pay soldiers and can often sustain broader military activities.

In many African countries who have suffered with civil war, the fighting is often at its most violent over control of that country’s diamond fields. Diamonds can often be smuggled over the border which can then be used to help finance one side or the other in the war.

Thanks in part to the focus on NGOs and coverage in the media, the Kimberley Process was able to be launched. This is a UN supported initiative designed to prevent the illegal trading of diamonds and other gems from conflict zones. This becomes even more important when you consider the consumers perspective of diamonds, from the history and significance of the engagement ring, which many diamonds will ultimately be used for, and the high perceived value of diamond ring. Samara James are a supplier of ethical diamonds. This is another reason why under the scheme, all diamonds transported between countries must have a certificate to verify the authenticity of the diamonds. This also includes specifying their origin. Experts from the diamond exchanges in New York, Antwerp and elsewhere can then undertake careful tests of the diamonds’ composition in order to verify their specific country of origin. Participating countries ensure that those people and organisations that break the rules of the Kimberley process will be severely punished.

Paris Declaration Workshop, 28-29 July , Mille Collines Hotel, Kigali - Rwanda

The UNDP supports the consolidation of peace in the Great Lakes Region through a regional parliamentarian forum, Kigali - Rwanda, 18 June

Training opportunity: Technical Training for African Participants in India.15 August - 16 September

The International Fund for Rwanda: Hotel Rwanda Film (The individuals in the film, and the film makers have partnered with the UN Foundation to create an international fund for Rwanda)