President William Ruto has advocated for significant reforms within the United Nations Security Council to effectively address the changing global challenges.
During his address on Sunday, September 22, at the Summit of the Future plenary held at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, the President emphasized that the existing multilateral system has demonstrated its insufficiency in managing crises such as climate change, inequality, and debt.
Ruto warned that without prompt intervention humanity is likely to encounter an unparalleled global crisis.
“Today, we have no choice but to reject outdated systems and re-imagine a framework of international cooperation that works for all 8 billion people,” he said.
Ruto called for redesigning the international financial system to enhance collaborative efforts for common security, bridging the digital divide, and investing in human capacity.
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He remarked on the unfortunate reality that merely 17% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets are progressing as planned, primarily due to unfulfilled financial commitments.
“Developing countries, particularly in Africa and the Global South, are facing severe funding shortages, and the gap is widening,” he stated.
Ruto said it was time to rectify the historical injustice regarding Africa's absence of permanent representation on the UN Security Council, emphasizing that this issue should be addressed as a matter of justice within the context of the ongoing UN reforms.
He also updated the General Assembly on the progress made by the Kenya-led Multinational Support Mission in Haiti, noting that, despite facing resource constraints, the mission has realized significant advancements.
“What looked like mission impossible is now a present and real possibility for peace in Haiti,” he said.
Additionally, Ruto stated that Kenya aims to increase its forest cover by 30% by 2030 by planting 15 billion trees.
“Two weeks ago, I launched ClimateWorX, a programme that will employ 200,000 young Kenyans in sustainable public works, focused on ecological restoration and infrastructure,” he said, adding that the initiative is primarily driven by the youth.
Ruto is in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), focusing on discussions around global security and development.
His trip follows a brief stop in Haiti on Saturday, September 21, where he assessed the performance of Kenyan police deployed there to combat gang violence.
While in Haiti, Ruto praised the Kenyan forces for their efforts, stating they have significantly improved security in Haiti.
“Your success is not only going to be the success of the national police service; it is going to be the success of the people of Haiti and the success of all the people who believe in stability, dignity, and democracy," he said.
Ruto expressed a commitment to supporting Haiti's stabilization efforts and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing its challenges.
He highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue and support for the country's security forces, aiming to enhance their effectiveness in restoring order.
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