The Voice of the Burundian Private Sector at COP30 Belém: Thierry Ndabigengesere, CEO of GREAT AT VISION, Champions Climate and Health Resilience

Belém, Brazil — COP30

For the first time in the history of Burundi’s participation in global climate negotiations, the Burundian private sector took center stage at the Water for Climate Pavilion during a high-level session organized by SIWI (Stockholm International Water Institute) and SWA (Sanitation and Water for All).

Represented by Thierry Ndabigengesere, CEO of Great At Vision Group (GAV) and a passionate climate-action advocate, Burundi delivered a clear and powerful message:

“The private sector is the missing piece of the puzzle in building climate-resilient water and sanitation systems.”

💧 A Historic Milestone for Burundi at COP30

Alongside global experts, ministers, and climate negotiators, Thierry participated live in the high-level panel titled:

“From Targets and Indicators to Action on the Ground:
Implementing the UAE Global Framework for Transformative Climate-Resilient Water and Sanitation.”

This was far more than symbolic participation—it was an act of leadership, representation, and strategic advocacy.

His contribution positioned Burundi as an emerging innovator in climate-resilient sanitation.

🌱 Key Messages Delivered by Thierry Ndabigengesere at Pavilion 14

Thierry shared four compelling messages that deeply resonated with the audience.

1️⃣ Climate Change in Burundi Is Not a Theory — It Is a Daily Reality

He highlighted alarming data:

• Over 298,000 people affected by floods and landslides in 2024

• 47,915 displaced between January and June alone

• Entire neighborhoods in Gatumba, Bujumbura, and Rumonge devastated

• Rising waters of Lake Tanganyika destroying homes, schools, crops, and livelihoods

Burundi ranks among the most vulnerable countries to water-related climate risks.

2️⃣ The Private Sector Steps in Where Public Systems Are Overwhelmed

Thierry demonstrated how Great At Vision Group provides rapid, community-centered solutions:

• Deploying mobile toilets during floods

• Building EcoSan toilets in schools and high-risk neighborhoods

• Ensuring fecal sludge collection and treatment

• Converting human waste into biochar and organic fertilizers

• Creating sustainable jobs for youth and women

• Supporting public institutions during climate emergencies

The message was unmistakable:
the private sector is not peripheral—it is a pillar of national resilience.

3️⃣ Sanitation Must Be Integrated into the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

Thierry pointed to a critical gap:

“Burundi’s National Adaptation Plan does not include sanitation.
This omission weakens resilience and increases community vulnerability.”

He urged negotiators to:

• Recognize climate-resilient sanitation as a core component of adaptation

• Integrate sanitation indicators into the UAE Global Resilience Framework

• Ensure sanitation is funded, monitored, and included in GGA reporting

4️⃣ What the Private Sector Expects from COP30 Negotiators

Thierry presented concrete and actionable recommendations:

✔ Include private operators as co-implementers of adaptation policies
✔ Create a dedicated financing window for sanitation SMEs
✔ Adopt global indicators for climate-resilient sanitation
✔ Prioritize support for vulnerable countries like Burundi
✔ Establish an Innovation Platform for Climate-Resilient Sanitation

These proposals received positive feedback from SWA, SIWI, and several global experts.

🚀 Why This Participation Matters for Burundi

Thierry’s intervention at COP30 represents a strategic turning point:

• Burundi shifts from beneficiary to active contributor

• The private sector is acknowledged as a key driver of resilience

• Sanitation gains visibility within the global climate agenda

• Burundian innovations (EcoSan, biochar, mobile toilets) are showcased

• International partnerships are strengthened (SWA, SIWI, UNICEF, AREEN, etc.)

This moment amplifies Burundi’s voice in climate diplomacy and demonstrates the essential role of local enterprises in implementing adaptation solutions.

🇧🇮 A New Chapter for Burundi: Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience

Thierry Ndabigengesere’s participation at COP30 shows what Burundi brings to the global table:

• Innovation

• Courage

• Community-rooted solutions

• Commitment to climate justice

• A vision for a safer, more resilient future

Burundi is moving forward—
and the private sector, led by Great At Vision, is helping chart a resilient, healthier, and more sustainable path for all.