The 18th National Children’s Summit officially took place on August 6, 2026, bringing together child delegates from across Rwanda to voice their opinions on national development. Held at the Parliament of Rwanda building in Kigali, the event served as a critical consultative platform to discuss children’s rights, protection, and leadership.
The high-level engagement was structured around the official central theme “Ejo ni Njye” (translated as “I Am the Future”), highlighting the proactive role that children must play in building the nation. Organizers designed the forum to match the goals of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Rwanda ratified to safeguard child participation in all matters affecting their lives.
Attendance and National Delegate Representation
A total of 567 child delegates traveled to the capital to attend this landmark summit. The diverse cohort included young boys and girls selected by their peers to represent various administrative levels, including sectors, districts, provinces, and the City of Kigali. To ensure an inclusive dialogue, the gathering also welcomed dedicated child representatives living in refugee camps across the country.
During the launch of the event, the Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Assumpta Ingabire, strongly reminded leaders and the community about the inherent value of young citizens. Highlighting their active place in national growth, she stated: “Your ideas have value and will help decision-makers further improve the programs designed for you.”
Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Assumpta Ingabire
The guest of honor at the event, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) Consolée Uwimana, accompanied the children along with other top government officials and civil society partners. Their collective presence reaffirmed the state’s ongoing commitment to integrate children’s insights into long-term strategic planning and national budgeting frameworks.
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) Consolée Uwimana
Beyond open policy dialogues, the assembly served as an electoral floor where democratic representation was put into practice by the youth. The attendees voted to form a new National Children’s Forum Committee, electing Isimbi Kelia from the Kicukiro District as the new National President. This newly established leadership structure consists of a president, a vice-president, a secretary, two advisors, and a dedicated representative championing the rights of children living with disabilities.
President of the National Children’s Forum Committee, Isimbi Kelia
Empowering Action and Protecting the Future
Discussions during the summit heavily focused on empowering children to utilize the provided platform to build a stronger society while remaining disciplined. Minister Uwimana explicitly challenged the delegates to focus on their personal growth and educational excellence. She urged them to maximize their potential by setting clear life goals, building constructive behaviors, and dedicating energy to their school curriculum.
The protection of the next generation from societal risks emerged as a vital pillar during the ministerial address. Leaders heavily warned the children against the dangerous temptations of peer pressure, delinquency, and gambling. A strong emphasis was placed on completely avoiding drug abuse and alcohol addiction, which pose a significant threat to the future of the nation’s youth.
In her address to the assembly, Minister Consolée Uwimana explicitly noted: “There is no greater gift than giving a child love, time, and a proper upbringing. We know that the family is the foundation for a child’s good growth.”
The annual summit has remained a strong tradition in Rwanda since its inception in 2004, which originally began after children directly petitioned President Paul Kagame for an official dialogue space. By concluding the 18th edition, the government and NCDA solidifies a democratic pathway where children are viewed not just as passive beneficiaries, but as active architects of Rwanda’s future.
