President Paul Kagame has emphasized that the well-being and prosperity of citizens must be built from within, noting that sustainable development cannot be imported from outside a country. He reaffirmed that Rwanda’s progress continues to follow this principle.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at an international conference in Doha, Qatar, President Kagame urged United Nations member states to ensure that development benefits reach every citizen without exclusion.
“Our programs focus on protecting citizens, involving them in the decisions that affect their lives, and ensuring accountability,” he said. “Every policy decision aims to improve the quality of life.”
The Head of State recalled that, for the past three decades, similar international gatherings, including milestones such as the Copenhagen Summit, have shaped global efforts to reduce extreme poverty, expand education, improve healthcare, and enhance citizen security. Though progress has been made worldwide, he pointed out that millions still struggle to meet basic needs.
“These challenges are not new,” President Kagame remarked. “What is missing is the commitment to act with the urgency and responsibility required.”
He emphasized that genuine development demands long-term dedication from leaders, who must take ownership of the issues facing their populations and build on previous achievements.
“The most effective way is to remain aligned in one direction and build from what has already been accomplished,” he said. “Empowering citizens must come first. Sustainable development cannot be imported.”
President Kagame cited Rwanda’s own experience as proof that solutions built from within yield the strongest results. Ensuring citizens’ security, involving them in governance, and promoting accountability remain central pillars of the country’s transformation.
He also called for fairer global cooperation, warning that outdated approaches often leave many nations behind.
“We must move away from strategies that marginalize large portions of the world,” he said. “Our focus should be on stronger, more responsive mechanisms that address challenges in real time.”
He concluded by urging decision-makers to remain focused on what matters most — the well-being of people.
“If we truly want development, everything we do must be rooted in improving citizens’ lives,” he said. “Sustainable development is a necessity for all nations, not just a privileged few.”
