Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale represented President Dr. William Ruto at the opening session of the Club de Madrid’s Annual Policy Dialogue 2025, held at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi on 3rd April 2025. This event, which spans two days, is centered around the theme “Driving Sustainable Futures for All.” The dialogue gathers global leaders to discuss critical issues surrounding Financing for Sustainable Development.
In his keynote address, Hon. Duale underscored Kenya’s commitment to fostering strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking financial strategies aimed at driving sustainable development. He highlighted Kenya’s recognition of the crucial need for robust financial mechanisms that not only address the present but also pave the way for a sustainable future for generations to come. These strategies are essential for ensuring that the goals of sustainable development, particularly in developing nations, are not only set but achieved in an inclusive and equitable manner.
A key point in Hon. Duale’s speech was the call for the development and implementation of a comprehensive debt relief and prevention framework. He emphasized that such a framework could significantly unlock resources necessary for sustainable development. By freeing up financial resources that are otherwise tied up in debt servicing, countries would be better positioned to invest in initiatives that promote long-term growth, poverty reduction, and resilience to climate change.
This call for comprehensive debt relief is particularly important for countries in Africa, where the economic burden of debt often hinders development. Hon. Duale’s remarks reflect Kenya’s broader stance on the issue, which is rooted in a belief that sound financial management, combined with international cooperation, is key to addressing the systemic challenges of poverty and inequality. Furthermore, his address reinforced Kenya’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives across the African continent, recognizing that collaborative efforts are vital to achieving meaningful development outcomes.
The importance of inclusive financial strategies was also emphasized by H.E. Danilo Turk, the former President of Slovenia and President of the Club de Madrid, who praised Kenya’s leadership and role in co-hosting the conference. In his remarks, Turk stressed the need for renewed and innovative financial strategies that not only accelerate finance mobilization but also ensure that these resources are distributed equitably. He further pointed out that financial inclusion, particularly for marginalized communities, is essential in the pursuit of sustainable development.
The dialogue also saw contributions from several notable dignitaries, including Zainab Bangura, the UN Director General in Nairobi, who shared insights into the global perspective on financing for development. Dr. Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Ali Mohammed, the Special Climate Change Envoy, were also in attendance, further strengthening Kenya’s position as a key player in international policy discussions. Their participation highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to address climate change and promote policies that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
The discussions at the conference are set to focus on practical and innovative approaches to financing that align with the broader goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda. As global leaders come together to share experiences and ideas, the dialogue represents a crucial platform for fostering international cooperation and finding sustainable solutions to global challenges.
In conclusion, the Club de Madrid’s Annual Policy Dialogue provides a significant opportunity for countries to collaborate, discuss pressing global issues, and devise strategies for sustainable development. Kenya’s involvement in this event not only demonstrates the nation’s commitment to these goals but also reaffirms its leadership role in global policy discussions. With the continued support of the international community, Kenya is poised to play a pivotal role in driving positive change and promoting sustainability on the African continent and beyond.
