Moderating the Kigali Climate Talks

Event: Kigali Climate Talks – A multi-stakeholder summit focused on environmental policy, sustainability, and climate action in Rwanda and the broader East African region.

Challenge:
The Kigali Climate Talks brought together policymakers, scientists, NGOs, youth leaders, and private sector stakeholders to discuss urgent environmental challenges. The event required a moderator capable of balancing technical discussions with accessibility for a diverse audience, while also ensuring the event remained action-oriented and inclusive. Maintaining momentum and clarity across complex topics like climate finance, policy reform, and grassroots innovation was essential.

Solution:
Basile Uwimana was selected to moderate the event due to his ability to engage diverse groups with professionalism, clarity, and confidence. His approach combined subject-matter awareness with dynamic event flow management. Key contributions included:

Setting the stage: Opening the summit with an energizing introduction that highlighted the urgency of climate action and the goals of the talks.
Navigating complex topics: Facilitating sessions on climate policy, green innovation, and community resilience by asking sharp, insightful questions and connecting panelist points.
Audience engagement: Encouraging participation through interactive Q&A, live polling, and spotlighting youth voices and local innovations.
Keeping the momentum: Ensuring tight transitions between panels, breakout sessions, and keynotes while maintaining the theme of climate responsibility and collaboration.

Results:

The event maintained high engagement across all sessions, with active participation from both in-person and virtual attendees.
Panelists praised the moderation for keeping discussions focused, accessible, and solution-driven.
Attendees reported a deeper understanding of climate issues and left with clear takeaways and action points.
Basile’s presence contributed to the overall success and professional polish of the summit, helping establish the Kigali Climate Talks as a premier platform for environmental discourse in the region.