On 28 October 2023, the Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) team participating in the International Workshop on the Global Plastics Community of Practice (COP) undertook a visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial Site as part of their engagement in Rwanda’s history, culture, and journey toward unity and resilience.

The visit provided participants with an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s remarkable path of recovery, reconciliation, and nation building. Through guided tours and reflections, participants learned about the tragic events that occurred during the genocide and the importance of preserving memory as a foundation for peace and sustainable development.

The experience fostered meaningful discussions on the values of human dignity, social cohesion, and collective responsibility in building resilient communities. For the international participants, the visit offered valuable insights into Rwanda’s commitment to remembrance, healing, and the promotion of peace as essential pillars of sustainable development.

The visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial Site complemented the objectives of the workshop by highlighting the importance of community engagement, shared responsibility, and collaborative action in addressing societal and environmental challenges.