Kigali, 13 October 2023 - From Monday 16 to Thursday 20 October 2023, the City of Kigali will host the 23^rd International Walk21 Conference on Walking and Liveable Communities, titled: “Action for walking - the affordable and essential steps to improve walkability”, the first-ever conference on the African continent.

The event will gather politicians, academics, government officials, and advocates to share the latest research, innovative ideas, and initiatives aimed at creating walkable streets and inviting public spaces. It will emphasize investments in walking and encourage people to remain active on their feet. The conference will be hosted in partnership with, Walk21 Foundation, the University of Rwanda and the UNEP Share the Road program and many other political, academic and advocacy partners.

Mayor of the City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa, stated, "We are honored to host this pivotal event. Our city's commitment to green mobility aligns with the conference's objectives. We have consistently focused on improving walkability, from creating car-free zones to endorsing car-free days and ensuring safer pedestrian pathways."

Carly Gilbert-Patrick, Team Leader of the Active Mobility, Digitalisation and Mode Integration at UNEP remarked, “It's a pivotal moment for the UNEP Share the Road Programme to partner with the Walk21 conference in Kigali. We work with governments around the world to prioritise the needs of people who walk and cycle. In Africa alone active mobility accounts for 78% of trips every day. We are excited to see the conference come to the African continent. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet and really fast track action for walking in Africa and beyond.”

The Walk21 International Conference series has been advocating for walkable communities on an international scale since 2000. Although walking is the primary mode of transportation for most people in African cities, walking infrastructure in Africa has been given limited policy focus and resources. This disproportionately impacts children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, women, and residents of low-income neighborhoods.

The Walk21 Kigali week will commence on 15 October with delegates invited to join Kigali Car Free Day, a testament to Kigali’s commitment to affordable actions for walkability.

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For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact: Tombola Felicie, Communication Specialist, City of Kigali at ftombola@kigalicity.gov.rw or +250789245135

Natalia Lleras, Programme Manager, Walk21 at natalia.lleras@walk21.com or +57 319 2080733

Website: kigali.walk21.com