Annual Report 2015-2016:

ICT & MEDIATION SECURING LAND RIGHTS DRIVEN FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND POVERTY REDUCTION

Chairperson's word

Dear Friends and Partners, this is my first communication in my capacity as the new Chairperson of Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) Board. A position I assumed on 14th December 2016. I am personally delighted to be associated with RISD because of its achievements and focus over the past 20 years. I am happy to add my contribution. I am honored to join an organization with well-founded partnership with various stakeholders, who make the work of the organization a success in many aspects. Some contribute in terms of ideas, others as beneficiaries, others as strategic partners and others as donors.

RISD has strategically positioned herself in a critical area that affects the livelihood of over 90% in Africa, Rwanda inclusive. The uniqueness of RISD is her ability to combine the scientific, social and advocacy approaches in her work, and this is what has attracted me most as a scientist. I join RISD at its very exciting stage, of going ICT. RISD has launched her IT application, the “RISD- ICT4D” (ICT for Development), aimed at strengthening the research and data analysis of the organization for both quality and pace. “Timely and reliable data is much needed by policy makers who need to make laws and take decisions informed by credible data.” My commitment and priority among others during my tenure, is to expand RISD partnership and knowledge in the area of ICT based data.

I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued collaboration and support and wish you every best in the New Year 2017. I look forward to strengthening and broadening further our partnership.

Sincerely,

Prof. LWAKABAMBA Silas, Chairperson, RISD Board