I am very humbled by this appointment as the Chairperson of Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) Board, effective from 11th October 2024. I follow in the steps of inspiring leadership that have moved RISD to the level of being understood by many as a “model civil society” within a solid period of 27 years of its existence. It is this admiration that has inspired me and moved me to humbly accept. The previous Chairpersons in their order of tenure include: Hon. POLISI Denis (1st Chairperson), Rev. MULIGANDE Richard, Rt. Rev. Dr. GASATURA Kamusiime Nathan, Prof. LWAKABAMBA Silas, and Dr. ILBERG Antje. I look forward to building on this rich legacy. I count myself very honoured to be part of the RISD family.

RISD’s success is rooted in the compassionate relationship it has with the beneficiaries of its initiatives and activities, with friends and partners both locally and globally. These are the relationships that I wish to build on, and continue working with and advancing together. I will continue to champion the organization’s 5-Year Strategic Orientation for the period 2022-2026, with the overall theme of “Balanced societal and inclusive development under sustainable use of land.” RISD will continue mediating land related disputes as its primary motivation and niche area. The disputes over land, we take seriously, come with the various forms of development that society is undergoing in rural, urbanising, urban areas, and climate change.

Among the most appealing of RISD’s motivations is the commitment to “No-one is left behind excluded from participation in a formal realm and formal processes for any social or economic reason”. RISD, within this framework, also supports women, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in line with equality and inclusiveness. RISD is widely appreciated for the fact that, when mitigating development driven disputes and supporting inclusive development, it places its actions within the wider context of protecting the environment and biodiversity in view of the current threats of climate change. RISD believes and respects these as the basis for functional and fundamental livelihood.

I commit to support RISD’s culture of transparency, accountability, equality, and justice as well as continue to embrace partnership, networking and open-door management, that has characterised its work since it was established. I am very excited to be part of RISD team and count on you friends, partners and beneficiaries to walk on this path together and contribute to the success of our ambitious agenda and to a balanced livelihood for all.

Dr. GASINGIRWA Marie-Christine