The concert, which took place in tandem with the Paris Summit, was organised by Global Citizen as a rallying cry to global leaders attending the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact to tackle the global climate and debt crises.
Suavely addressing thousands of attendees at the Champs de Mars Park which borders France’s most emblematic monument – the Eiffel Tower- President Ruto got a rousing welcome from the crowd and he started his speech on a high.
“Guys, I bring you greetings from Kenya, the land of the greatest marathoners,” he started as the crowd jubilated.
“From the youngest continent in the globe. It is wonderful to see so many people from around the world in one of the most historic cities under the magnificent Eiffel Tower.”
Ever the showman, Dr Ruto knew the right notes to hit to warm up the global crowd.
“The joy and the happiness exuded by all of us here I wish it could be shared around the world. The people of Kenya, Africa and many parts of the world live in the reality of the new normal,” he said.
After the niceties, the head of state got down to business stressing the importance of establishing an impartial financial system that will enable the global community to combat climate change.
“The climate crisis is getting worse every year with millions losing their lives to drought, flash floods, heatwaves, cyclones and wildfires. Luckily, the solutions to make a difference are in our hands and when I see you, I see the future and the solution to the challenges that exist in our globe,” he said to the buoyant crowd.
“At this global event, we call for a global financial system that supports climate-positive and green industrial growth powered by renewable resources. It should also provide affordable finance that can help all of us attain our goal of low carbon and a resilient world in line with the Paris Agreement of net zero by 2050.”
He likewise urged those in attendance to clear their schedules for the Africa Climate Summit, slated to take place between September 4 and 6 in Nairobi, further noting that the conference will advance talks on the said financial system and green resilient growth.
“I love you guys, see you in Nairobi in September. We will expect you in Nairobi on the 4th and 6th for the Africa Climate Summit where finally we will have the final discourse on a new financial system and on a green resilient growth. Thank you very much, Asanteni sana, God bless you,” said Dr Ruto.
Kenyan environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, 2023 Global Citizen Prize winner Wangari Kuria and Kenyan-American climate storyteller Wawa Gatheru likewise spoke about how alarming climate change truly is.
After speeches by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Mia Mottley Prime Minister of Barbados and more climate change activists, singers Lenny Kravitz, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, Arya Starr and Joé Dwèt Filé took to the stage and thrilled the crowd with some of their best tunes.