President William Ruto is set to depart for New York tonight to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where global leaders gather to discuss pressing international challenges. This year’s forum, focusing on sustainable development, global governance, and climate action, will provide a critical platform for Ruto to advance Kenya’s national and continental interests.
At the forefront of his agenda is advocating for comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations itself. As the world faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change to mounting global debt and persistent conflicts—President Ruto will argue that the current multilateral system is ill-equipped to address these interconnected crises. He will call for a thorough review of global governance structures, emphasizing the need for more democratic, transparent, and responsive institutions that can cater to the specific needs of developing nations.
A key part of President Ruto’s UNGA participation will be the ‘Summit of the Future,’ a forum organized by the United Nations to explore global governance reforms. At the summit, he will champion a proposed ‘Pact for the Future,’ a framework that aims to promote a more equitable and inclusive global order. Ruto’s advocacy will not just focus on Kenya but will also reflect the broader concerns of Africa and other developing nations, underscoring the need for a fairer international system that addresses issues such as climate financing, debt relief, and technological inequality.
President Ruto’s agenda will emphasize Africa’s increasing influence on the global stage, particularly in areas like climate action and technological innovation. His intervention will also reflect concerns from the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit, which was hosted in Nairobi. The Nairobi Declaration, alongside other initiatives such as the African Green Industrialisation Initiative and the African Renewable Energy Strategy, will feature prominently in Ruto’s climate advocacy. He will urge world leaders to support equitable climate financing mechanisms to ensure that Africa, one of the continents most affected by climate change, receives the financial support it needs for sustainable development and climate resilience.
In addition to addressing structural reforms in global institutions, Ruto will engage in high-level discussions on bridging the global digital divide. This will include promoting inclusion in the digital economy and exploring governance issues around emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data management. As technological advancements rapidly reshape global economies, Ruto will advocate for frameworks that ensure equitable access to these new technologies, particularly for developing nations like Kenya. The President views digital inclusion as a key driver of economic growth and innovation for Kenya and Africa at large.
Bilateral meetings with world leaders and international organizations will also be a central component of Ruto’s trip. These discussions will focus on enhancing Kenya’s partnerships in trade, investment, and diplomacy. The President is expected to explore collaborations in renewable energy and digital innovation, two sectors where Kenya is already making significant strides.
President Ruto is also scheduled to meet with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Their discussions will center on 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. Kenya has taken a prominent role in promoting peace and security in Haiti, and the meeting is expected to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts.
Moreover, as a leading voice in Africa, Ruto will continue his push for increased African representation in global institutions like the UN Security Council and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His advocacy will highlight the need for fairer representation of African nations in decision-making processes, ensuring that Africa’s growing economic and political influence is reflected on the global stage.
The 79th session of the UNGA presents a vital platform for President Ruto to champion a more inclusive and equitable world order. His agenda, which emphasizes multilateral reform, climate action, technological governance, and increased African representation, reflects Kenya’s—and Africa’s—broader aspirations for a more just and sustainable future. As the assembly unfolds, Ruto’s interventions will ensure that Africa’s voice is not only heard but also acted upon in shaping the global agenda for the years to come.
