As the Second Day of the 14th National Umushyikirano Council gets underway in Kigali, Rwandans had the opportunity to discuss on ‘The Rwanda We Want’. It was an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to contribute with ideas to shaping a country that responds to their needs and aspirations.
Outlining the highlights of the blueprint, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Claver Gatete explained that it emphasises on improved livings standards, sustained food security, and access to quality affordable services in key sectors – health, education, finance, housing and infrastructure.
The blueprint’s five main pillars include:
- Quality of life
- Modern infrastructure and livelihoods
- Transformation for prosperity
- Values for Vision 2050
- And International cooperation and positioning
Minister Gatete noted that as the country enters the final phase of its Vision 2020, the achievements registered should pave way for further elaborate development programmes towards a more dignified Rwanda.
Vision 2050 blueprint aims to ensure high standards of living for all Rwandans. Its elaboration will be informed by the global commitments that Rwanda is part of including: the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Paris Declaration on Climate Change (2030); Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development (2030); East African Community Vision Agenda (2030); and the African Union Agenda 2063.
“As we walk towards reaching ‘upper middle income’ by 2035 and ‘high income’ by 2050, it will require us to double the current economic growth rates to an average annual growth of above 10%. This will help free the country from aid dependency and the international pressure that comes with it, ” Minister Gatete said.
To make Vision 2050 a reality, Rwanda will be driven by high level of commitment and sacrifice drawn from the country’s history and cultural values; a sense of urgency in delivery; thinking big towards implementing bigger, faster and smarter; strong accountability; and prolonged national security and stability.
In international cooperation, the Government will continue to work towards consolidating the strides made in regional integration, strengthening multi-bilateral and bilateral cooperation and positioning Brand Rwanda.
“The Rwanda we want in terms of international cooperation and positioning is within our reach. We need to sustain our achievements and design together the way forward. To deliver this vision, there is need for more collaboration and coordination on our side as leaders,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo who was speaking on a panel on ‘The Rwanda We Want’.
Minister Mushikiwabo further revealed that in the last 22 years, Rwandan missions abroad have grown from 13 to 34. The latter represent the country’s interests in over 147 countries and international bodies.
Since 2011, 54 new ambassadors and consuls have presented their credentials to Rwanda while over 30 international organisations have offices in Kigali.
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