From climate change to financial inequality, Kenya’s voice is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming United Nations “Summit of the Future,” scheduled for September 22-23, 2024, in New York. The summit, convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, seeks to rebuild trust between nations, generations, and peoples, addressing urgent gaps in global governance. For Kenya, the summit presents a critical opportunity to advance its priorities on a global stage while contributing to shaping a future that leaves no one behind.
A System Needing Reform
When the United Nations was established in 1945, only 51 member states, representing a fraction of today’s global population, were involved in crafting the architecture of multilateralism. Now, with 193 member states, the world faces challenges that demand global cooperation and solutions. However, the existing power structures and processes within the UN are out of touch with the needs of today’s world. As Guterres noted, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents.”
Kenya, along with other developing nations, has consistently advocated for reforms to make the international system more representative and inclusive. The country’s leadership believes that its voice — and that of other African nations — should be equally recognized, particularly in the multilateral system. President William Ruto has been at the forefront of calling for these reforms, especially within the financial architecture that keeps developing nations disproportionately disadvantaged.
Sustainable Development and Financial Equity
One of the key issues Kenya will bring to the table is the urgent need for sustainable development, particularly in the wake of climate change and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges posed by these global emergencies are exacerbated by the outdated financial systems that favor developed nations over those still in the process of development. African countries, for instance, face exorbitant borrowing costs from international institutions, paying as much as eight times more than their counterparts in the Global North.
President Ruto’s call for reforms in the international financial system resonates strongly. He argues that multilateral development banks must increase their lending capacity, while new standards need to be established to offer fairer access to finance for developing nations. These reforms are essential to alleviate the debt distress that plagues many African countries and to enable them to invest in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Embracing Digital Innovation
As a digital innovation hub, Kenya’s voice will also be crucial in discussions on the governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). With the rapid advancement of digital tools, there is a pressing need to ensure that these technologies are developed and used ethically, inclusively, and securely. Kenya, with its young, tech-savvy population, is poised to lead efforts to prevent a handful of wealthy nations from monopolizing the governance of AI and digital technologies. The summit provides a platform for Kenya to push for equitable digital cooperation, ensuring that these innovations benefit all countries.
Responding to Youth and Future Generations
Kenya’s demographic position as both an old and young nation places it in a unique position to champion the interests of future generations. With Africa having the youngest population globally, there is a strong impetus to create environments that nurture creativity, innovation, and economic growth. Kenya’s participation in the Summit of the Future offers a significant opportunity to ensure that global decisions consider the needs and aspirations of younger generations.
International Peace and Security
Beyond economic and technological discussions, Kenya is deeply invested in global peace and security. The conflicts in neighboring regions, such as the Horn of Africa, have direct implications for Kenya’s development. Further afield, the ongoing war in Ukraine has disrupted global supply chains, pushing up prices of essential commodities such as food and fuel, affecting Kenya’s economy.
Kenya has been a consistent advocate for reforming the UN Security Council, where Africa, despite having a population of 1.5 billion, lacks permanent representation. At the summit, Kenya will continue to push for reforms that better reflect today’s geopolitical realities, ensuring that African nations have a stronger voice in global peace and security matters.
Shaping a Common Agenda
With President Ruto and a delegation of Kenyan civil society and youth representatives attending the summit, Kenya is seizing a unique opportunity to shape global policies on issues that matter deeply to the country. From financial reform and digital cooperation to peace and security, Kenya’s voice at the Summit of the Future will be critical in forging a new path for multilateralism — one that ensures no country or individual is left behind. This summit represents a once-in-a-generation chance to rebuild eroded trust and demonstrate that global cooperation can effectively tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
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