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| President William Ruto |
President William Ruto is set to depart tonight for the United States to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The annual global forum brings together world leaders to address critical international issues, with a focus this year on sustainable development, global governance, and climate action.
At UNGA, President Ruto will advocate for comprehensive and accelerated reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, to ensure they are equipped to tackle today’s most urgent challenges.
He will call for a thorough review of the multilateral system, emphasizing its inability to effectively address interconnected crises such as climate change, the global debt burden, complex conflicts, and the erosion of democratic governance.
During the ‘Summit of the Future’ forum, organized by the UN, Ruto will champion a proposed ‘Pact for the Future,’ which aims to promote a democratic, transparent, equitable, and responsive global order.
His advocacy will focus on ensuring that this new framework addresses the specific needs of Kenya, Africa, and other developing nations.
In addition to his reform agenda, President Ruto will participate in high-level discussions on bridging the global digital divide and promoting inclusion in the digital economy.
These discussions will address the governance of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data management, to ensure they are managed equitably.
Beyond the formal sessions of UNGA, President Ruto is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders and international organizations.
These discussions will focus on strengthening Kenya’s partnerships in trade, investment, and diplomacy.
The President will also advance Kenya’s leadership in climate action, and explore opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and digital innovation.
A significant part of President Ruto’s trip will include a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The discussions will center around Kenya’s role as the host of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), ongoing projects at the UN Office in Nairobi, and Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, where the country has taken a prominent role in promoting peace and security.
For Kenya, the UNGA session offers a vital platform to advocate for equitable climate financing and seek international support for initiatives such as the Nairobi Declaration from the Africa Climate Summit, the African Green Industrialisation Initiative, and the African Renewable Energy Strategy.
As a leading voice in Africa, President Ruto’s interventions at the Assembly will reflect the continent’s broader concerns, particularly on climate change, financial reforms, and technological governance.
He will continue to push for increased African representation in global institutions, including the UN Security Council and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ensuring that Africa’s interests are prominently represented on the global stage.
The President’s agenda at UNGA 79 is centred on ensuring that Africa’s voice is not only heard but also acted upon, in the creation of a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world order.
By Beth Nyaga