On 16 April 2026, a Conference on Remembrance, Unity and Renewal was held at Kungsholmen Gymnasium in Stockholm, bringing together students, educators, members of the Rwandan community, the diplomatic corps, and partners and friends of Rwanda for an afternoon of reflection, dialogue, and learning.

Held under the theme “Surviving the Genocide and Living with Its Consequences: Lessons from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: The Responsibility to Remember and Act,” the conference formed part of the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. It provided a platform to reflect on memory, justice, accountability, and the shared responsibility to prevent genocide from happening again. 

The event was moderated by Gerald Nsengiyumva, a member of the Rwandan Community in Sweden, and opened with welcome remarks by Peter Park Larsson on behalf of Kungsholmen Gymnasium. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of education in fostering understanding and dialogue among young people.

First Counsellor Geraldine Umutesi of the Embassy of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries introduced the conference with a powerful reflection on remembrance and responsibility. Drawing from Rwanda’s history, she emphasized that silence in the face of atrocity is never neutrality, and highlighted Rwanda’s journey from division and devastation to unity, reconciliation, and transformation. She called on participants—particularly young people—to actively stand against genocide denial, hate speech, and discrimination.

Preserving Memory and Promoting Responsibility.

The first session focused on memory preservation and the responsibility to remember. Josine Kanamugire, President of Ibuka, and Ambassador Jenny Ohlsson, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Aegis Trust, reflected on the enduring impact of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the importance of safeguarding truth.

Ambassador Ohlsson highlighted the role of the Kigali Genocide Memorial as both a final resting place for hundreds of thousands of victims of the genocide against the Tutsi and a centre for peace education, emphasizing that remembrance is essential not only for honouring the past but for preventing recurrence. She noted that the consequences of genocide extend across generations, reinforcing the need for continued commemoration and education.

Fighting Discrimination and Personal Reflections

The second session featured Sweden’s Ombudsman against Discrimination, Lars Arrhenius, who presented his book “The Lion Ant: My Rwandan Sisters, Dead and Alive,” now available in English. Drawing on his childhood experiences in Rwanda before the Genocide against the Tutsi, he reflected on the dangers of discrimination and the importance of confronting injustice early. He noted that Rwanda holds a special and important place in his heart, and shared that he personally witnessed discrimination in the 1960s while growing up in the country.

Reading from his book, he shared a poignant account of fear and uncertainty, illustrating how the looming threat of violence overshadowed ordinary lives. His remarks underscored that the fight against discrimination is inseparable from the prevention of genocide.

A moving musical interlude by the Kungsholmen Choir provided a moment of reflection, reinforcing the emotional depth of the discussions.

International Responsibility and Lessons Learned

The conference continued with reflections on international responsibility and accountability. Eugene Bushayija highlighted the global obligation to act decisively in the face of injustice, while Swedish lawyer Göran Hjalmarsson emphasized the importance of cross-border justice, noting that prosecuting genocide cases sends a strong signal that such crimes will not go unpunished.

Ambassador Barbara Jones, Ambassador of Ireland to Sweden, shared personal reflections from her visit to Rwanda shortly after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Drawing on her experiences, she emphasized the critical role of international leadership and solidarity, noting that the commitment to “Never Again” must be translated into concrete, practical action.

Youth Voices and Reflections

A dedicated session featuring Rwandan-Swedish youth offered powerful perspectives on memory and responsibility. Speakers shared personal reflections on Rwanda’s history and its continued relevance today, highlighting the role of young people in shaping a future grounded in truth, empathy, and active resistance to hate.

Closing Reflections

In her keynote remarks, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality, Nina Larsson, emphasized that remembrance is not merely symbolic, but a commitment to the values societies choose to uphold. She highlighted that the Genocide against the Tutsi did not occur in isolation, but emerged where discrimination and exclusion were left unchallenged. She also recognized Rwanda’s progress, particularly in advancing gender equality and inclusive development, noting that societies are stronger when women and girls can fully participate.

The conference concluded with remarks by the Ambassador of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries, Ambassador Dr. Diane Gashumba, who reaffirmed the importance of unity, truth, and collective responsibility in building a future free from genocide and division. She underscored that principled action must take precedence over personal or political alliances, emphasizing that true integrity lies in upholding truth and justice even when it is uncomfortable or goes against prevailing interests. Drawing on the examples of Dag Hammarskjöld, Romeo Dallaire, Colin Keating, Karel Kovanda, and Ibrahim Gambari, she highlighted that moral courage often requires individuals to act based on facts and conviction rather than loyalty or convenience. In this regard, she stressed that genuine alliances and friendships should be grounded in shared values and a commitment to truth, not shaped by silence, complicity, or self-interest.

Exhibition and Continued Engagement

Following the conference, participants were invited to an exhibition corner featuring photographs, survivor testimonies, and books, alongside the distribution of educational materials. This provided an opportunity for continued learning and reflection beyond the formal program.

A Shared Responsibility

The Conference on Remembrance, Unity and Renewal served as a meaningful platform to engage young people and the broader community in critical conversations about history, justice, and responsibility. It reinforced that remembrance is not only about the past—it is about the choices made in the present.

As emphasized throughout the conference, the responsibility to remember, to stand against denial, and to act in the face of injustice belongs to all.