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UNGA High-Level Event on the Ratification of the Kigali Amendment

Ministers and top UN leaders urged the world’s nations to quickly ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol during a high-level event held on 18 September 2017 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Under the Kigali Amendment, all countries will gradually phase down hydrofluorocarbons, a policy move that would avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

Rwanda’s Minister of Environment Vincent Biruta and Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna hosted the high-level event.

“We have come together to encourage quick ratification of the Kigali Amendment, in doing so we send a strong signal that the world is united in ending the use of HFCs and protecting our climate,” said Biruta.

“We need to get this done… and if everyone just asks one friend…one other minister of environment to encourage them to ratify, we will be able to have a great celebration,” said McKenna.

Ozone Secretariat Executive Secretary Tina Birmpili added: “2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the Protocol’s life and there is no better way to celebrate this anniversary than by seeking country support to ratify the Kigali Amendment and build on the next 30 years.”

Watch event video recording here.

View event photos here.

Read Minister Biruta's statement.

Interview with Minister Biruta on the Kigali Amendment

Press release: Canada and Rwanda urge rapid ratification of the Kigali Amendment