00:27Thank you very much at this point in time.
00:29We would like to kindly invite the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Justin Sengiunva, for his keynote speech.
00:57Your Excellency, First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda.
01:01Honourable Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Professor Sinead Fiseha, Vice President of Global Programs with the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.
01:18Mr. Itzhak Fischer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rwanda Development Boards.
01:25His Highness Tunku Ali Dedhuddin Ibn Tuwanku Maurice, Princess Ingeborg Zu Shreswig Hostein,
01:38Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Quidizina Namahs,
01:45Esteemed Conservation and Quidizina Partners, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
01:52Watura Jibakarele Kamusa Anze Murihano, Good Afternoon.
01:59Mw Yireweneza, says,
02:07Mw Chirubuli Chiri,
02:10Mw Chirubuli Chidi,
02:14Mw Chira Mahoro,
02:16Mw Chirubเรา,
04:20We gather here to celebrate not only the naming of baby gorillas, but also conservation, communities, and the extraordinary power
04:34of nature to unite people from all corners of the world.
04:41To our distinguished neighbors, thank you for bestowing meaningful names upon these baby gorillas, leaving a piece of your heart
04:54in Rwanda.
04:56To our local communities, thank you for being true champions of conservation, ensuring peaceful coexistence with gorillas and all wildlife
05:10in this beautiful landscape.
05:13And to those who have traveled far to be here, we deeply appreciate your presence and solidarity.
05:25Nearly three decades ago, when truckers, rangers, and researchers were working tirelessly to protect the last mountain gorillas,
05:37they began a remarkable tradition by naming the baby mountain gorillas.
05:47In Rwandan culture, naming a child is not just a formality, but an act of love, an act of commitment
05:57and hope,
05:58done in the presence of family and hope, done in the presence of family and friends who pledge to support
06:05that child's future.
06:09Today, we carry forward this tradition with the same spirit, giving 40 baby gorillas their names,
06:18surrounded by thousands of friends from across the globe.
06:25The story of the mountain gorillas has not always been one of celebration.
06:30Years ago, their population had alarmingly decreased, and their survival seemed uncertain.
06:44However, thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of passionate conservationists,
06:53the daily sacrifices of rangers, and the commitment of our communities,
06:59the gorillas came back from the brink.
07:05Today, we are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide,
07:11including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif.
07:20This success is also the result of well-coordinated efforts involving many partners,
07:27local communities, local communities, local administrations,
07:34conservation agencies, the Rwanda Development Board,
07:38and indeed, tourists, who contribute directly to conservation
07:44by visiting these magnificent creatures.
07:51Rwanda is honoured to be the custodian of these last mountain gorillas,
07:56which are not only a global treasure,
08:00but also a source of pride and economic opportunity for our nation.
08:08But success brings new challenges.
08:12As the gorillas' families grow, we must expand their habitat.
08:19So Rwanda has set out a board plan to extend the Volcanoes National Park
08:26by nearly 25% to ensure the next generation of gorillas has a secure home.
08:36This effort will also improve the lives of surrounding communities,
08:43demonstrating once again that conservation and development can go hand in hand.
08:50We call on the world to join us in this ambitious project
08:55as we share this responsibility.
09:00Our conservation journey does not end here.
09:05Rwanda has embraced policies to strengthen biodiversity protection
09:10from expanding national parks to restoring degraded ecosystems
09:17such as the Nyandrungu Urban Wetland Eco Park
09:21in the city of Kigari.
09:26We also encourage private sector participation
09:30in creating and managing sanctuaries and reserves
09:35supported through innovative public-private partnerships.
09:43Eco-tourism anchored in the mountain gorillas
09:48has become a cornerstone of Rwanda's development.
09:53It has created jobs, supported young entrepreneurs
10:00and has positioned Rwanda as a clean, safe and welcoming destination.
10:09But beyond gorillas, Rwanda offers a wealth of natural and cultural treasures.
10:18Our other primates, diverse bird life, flora,
10:25and the unique culture and heritage of our people are clear to see.
10:33We invite every visitor to experience the richness of Rwanda
10:39and to return as ambassadors for conservation.
10:45As we celebrate 20 years of Kuitizina,
10:50we honour the communities whose role is central.
10:56That is the main reason for having this ceremony held here at the foothills of the gorillas' habitat
11:04among the people who live closest to them.
11:09We pay tribute to their resilience, their commitment and partnership in safeguarding these great apes.
11:21The story of the mountain gorillas is one of perseverance, of family and hope.
11:28When their survival seemed impossible, they endured together.
11:36This story mirrors our challenges as humans.
11:41When we stand united, no mountain is too high to climb.
11:48Let this spirit guide us as we look to the future.
11:54Let us strengthen the bonds of friendships and family,
12:00protect and restore mother nature,
12:03and build a sustainable future for all life on earth.
12:08To our international guests,
12:12we wish you a joyful stay in the land of a thousand hills and a thousand opportunities.
12:19As you return home,
12:22may you carry with you the message of conservation,
12:27be witnesses of Rwanda's achievements,
12:30and continue to advocate for the protection of our shared planet.
12:38Today, as we name these baby mountain gorillas,
12:43Rwanda is fully committed to maintaining sustainable coexistence,
12:48protection,
12:49and hope for generations to come.
12:54Thank you very much.
13:31Thank you very much.
14:09Thank you very much.
14:40Thank you very much.
14:54Thank you very much.
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