Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame hosted a high-level delegation from Studio Libeskind and the kENUP Foundation at Urugwiro Village to discuss plans for the development of a new National Genocide Monument at the current Kigali Genocide Memorial site.
The delegation on Thursday included Daniel Libeskind, Founder and Principal Architect of Studio Libeskind; Nina Libeskind, Co-founder of Studio Libeskind; Stefan Blach, Partner at Studio Libeskind; and Holm Keller, Chairman of the kENUP Foundation.
The discussions centered on a shared vision to create a world-class monument that will serve as a powerful space for remembrance, education, and reflection, while preserving the memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The project is expected to combine architectural excellence with advanced technology to deliver a deeply immersive and personal experience for visitors from Rwanda and around the world.
During the meeting, President Kagame and the delegation explored ways to transform the memorial into a landmark that not only commemorates the lives lost but also strengthens efforts to educate future generations about the consequences of genocide, hatred, and division.
The envisioned monument will leverage cutting-edge digital tools and interactive storytelling to ensure that historical truth is preserved and shared in impactful ways.
A key outcome of the discussions was a commitment to advance the conceptual and design phases of the project.
The partners reaffirmed their intention to create a memorial that reflects Rwanda’s history, resilience, and enduring commitment to remembrance.
The monument is expected to offer visitors a unique journey through history, combining physical spaces, personal testimonies, archival materials, and innovative technologies to create meaningful and lasting engagement.
The meeting also underscored the importance of international collaboration in bringing the project to life.
Studio Libeskind, internationally recognized for designing some of the world’s most significant cultural and memorial sites, will contribute its expertise in creating spaces that inspire reflection and understanding.
The kENUP Foundation will support efforts to integrate innovative approaches that enhance education and knowledge preservation.
Once completed, the new National Genocide Monument is expected to become a globally significant center for remembrance and learning.
Beyond honoring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the monument will serve as a platform for promoting peace, human dignity, and the universal responsibility to prevent genocide and other mass atrocities.
The project marks another important step in Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to preserve memory, strengthen historical awareness, and ensure that the lessons of the past continue to guide future generations toward a more united and peaceful world.
