President Ruto calls for bold reforms, Climate Action at UNGA

In a powerful address at the 79^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President William Ruto called for urgent global reforms to tackle the escalating crises of climate change, inequality, and financial instability.

Emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and equitable international system, Dr Ruto’s speech resonated with the assembly, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation.

President Ruto began his speech by addressing the pressing need for reforms within the United Nations, particularly the Security Council.

He argued that the current multilateral system is inadequate in dealing with the complex global issues of today.

“The planet is heating up, our climate is in crisis, oceans are rising, deserts are spreading, and conflict is engulfing the world. Millions are displaced, poor, and without access to basic services,” Dr Ruto stated.

He called for the redesign of international financial systems to empower marginalised populations, especially women and youths, and to bridge the growing digital divide.

President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s ambitious climate action agenda, detailing the country’s goal to increase forest cover by 30 percent through the planting of 15 billion trees. This initiative, spearheaded by Kenyan youths, aims to combat deforestation and promote ecological restoration.

“We have launched Climate Works, a new initiative aimed at employing 200,000 young people in sustainable public works that focus on ecological restoration and infrastructure development,” he announced.

The President also addressed the rapid advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and their impact on global inequalities.

He emphasized that Africa, despite holding critical resources for the tech revolution, receives disproportionately low benefits.

“Africa holds critical resources for the tech revolution, yet receives disproportionately low benefits,” he noted, urging for more equitable access to the benefits of the digital age.

Dr Ruto’s speech underscored the importance of solidarity and multilateralism in addressing global challenges.

He expressed solidarity with the people of Haiti, Ukraine, and other countries facing crises, urging the international community to act with urgency and ambition.

“We must defend multilateralism, restore trust, raise hopes, and secure the collective future of humanity,” he asserted.

Highlighting Kenya’s leadership in climate action, President Ruto detailed the Nairobi Declaration, a transformative commitment by African nations to pursue green growth and development simultaneously.

He called for courage, will, and solidarity to implement these commitments and ensure a sustainable future for all.

“The Nairobi Declaration is a radical and transformative commitment by African nations to pursue green growth and development simultaneously,” he explained.

President’s address at the UN General Assembly was a clarion call for bold reforms and collective action to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

His emphasis on climate action, digital inclusion, and multilateral cooperation resonated with the global audience, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a leader in sustainable development.

As the world grapples with unprecedented crises, Dr Ruto’s vision--for a more inclusive and equitable international system--offers a hopeful path forward.