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.
01:59He will?
02:02He will?
02:08He will?
02:15He will.
02:19He will.
02:21He is excellent.
03:55Distinguished guests, on behalf of His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic
04:02of Rwanda, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the foothills of Volcanoes National
04:12Park for this 20th edition of Quinta Isina.
04:18Today, we gather here to celebrate not only the naming of baby gorillas, but also conservation,
04:29communities, and the extraordinary power of nature to unite people from all corners of
04:39the world.
04:41To our distinguished neighbors, thank you for bestowing meaningful names upon these baby
04:50gorillas, leaving a piece of your heart in Rwanda.
04:56To our local communities, thank you for being true champions of conservation, ensuring peaceful
05:06coexistence with gorillas and all wildlife in 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
05:36last mountain gorillas, they 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 done in the presence
06:00of a family and friends who pledge to support that child's future.
06:09Today, we carry forward this tradition with the same spirit.
06:15Giving 40 baby gorillas their names, surrounded by thousands of friends from across the globe.
06:26The story of the mountain gorillas has not always been one of celebration.
06:32Years ago, their population had alarmingly decreased, and their survival seemed uncertain.
06:44However, thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of passionate conservationists, the daily sacrifices of rangers, and the commitment
06:58of our communities, the gorillas came back from the brink.
07:04Today, we are over 1,000 mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif.
07:20This success is also the result of well-coordinated efforts involving many partners, local communities, local administrations, conservation agencies, the
07:37Rwanda Development Board, and indeed, tourists who contribute directly to conservation
07:44by visiting these magnificent creatures.
07:51Rwanda is honored to be the custodian of these last mountain gorillas, which are not only a global treasure, but
08:00also a source of pride and economic opportunity for our nation.
08:07But 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 by nearly 25% to ensure
08:31the next generation of gorillas has a secure home.
08:36This effort will also improve the lives of surrounding communities, demonstrating once again that conservation and development can go hand
08:49in hand.
08:50We call on the world to join us in this ambitious project as we share this responsibility.
09:00Our conservation journey does not end here.
09:03Rwanda has embraced policies to strengthen biodiversity protection from expanding national parks to restoring degraded ecosystems such as the Nyandrungu
09:20urban wetland eco-park in the city of Kigari.
09:25We also encourage private sector participation in creating and managing sanctuaries and reserves supported through innovative public-private partnerships.
09:44Ecotourism anchored in the mountain gorillas has become a cornerstone of Rwanda's development.
09:54It has created jobs, supported young entrepreneurs, and 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, and the unique culture and heritage of our people are clear to see.
10:33We invite every visitor to experience the richness of Rwanda and to return as ambassadors for conservation.
10:45As we celebrate 20 years of Kuitizina, we honor 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, among the
11:06people who live closest to them.
11:10We pay tribute to their resilience, their commitment, and the 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 friendship and family, protect and restore Mother Nature, and build a sustainable future for
12:07all life on Earth.
12:09To our international guests, we wish you a joyful stay in the land of a thousand hills and a thousand
12:17opportunities.
12:19As you return home, may you carry with you the message of conservation, be witnesses of Rwanda's achievements,
12:29and continue to advocate for the protection of our shared planet.
12:38Today, as we name these baby mountain gorillas, Rwanda is fully committed to maintaining sustainable coexistence, protection, and hope for
12:51generations to come.
12:54Thank you very much.
13:06Thank you very much.
