24/09/2025
His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, delivered a National Statement at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, today (September 24, 2025).
THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
He began by congratulating Ms. Annalena Baerbock on her election as the President of the 80th Session.
1. PEACE AND SECURITY:
HAITI MISSION-
Kenya, as the lead nation for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, shared its experiences. Despite being "underfunded, under-equipped, and operated below 40% of its authorised personnel strength," the mission has restored key government buildings, reopened schools, and reduced crime.
President, called for sustained international attention and an orderly transition from the MSS to consolidate these gains.
GAZA & UKRAINE-
He noted that the UN's voice is often "drowned out by the rivalries of great powers" and its resolutions are ignored.
He expressed grave concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages.
SUDAN-
President William Ruto, expressed that he is deeply troubled by the humanitarian situation in Sudan and supports a political dialogue over militaryaction.
2. CLIMATE CHANGE:
The President stated that Africa is not a passive victim of climate change but a source of solutions. He highlighted that 93% of Kenya's electricity comes from renewable sources over fossil burning.
He has called on the global community to unlock the $300 billion agreed upon at Baku, and to accelerate negotiations for a new $1.3 trillion goal.
He equally stressed that climate action in Africa, would be constrained without affordable finance and reform of the international financial architecture.
3. GLOBAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE:
OUTDATED FIANANCING STRUCTURES-
President criticized the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) for their outdated structures that "punish poor countries while rewarding the rich".
He noted the imbalance in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) allocation, where 64% went to wealthy countries while the poorest received only 2.4%.
AFRICA-LED SOLUTIONS-
He spoke of Africa's own efforts to strengthen financial independence, including the establishment of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions.
He also highlighted three new transformative institutions championed by the African Union: the African Central Bank, the African Monetary Fund, and the African Investment Bank.
4. UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORMS:
AFRICAN REPRESENTATION-
He has reiterated the common African position, established two decades ago, demanding "justice, equity, and representation". He argued that Africa's exclusion from a permanent seat is "unacceptable, unfair, and grossly unjust" and undermines the United Nation's credibility.
DEMAND FOR SEATS-
The President, noted that, Africa is the only continent without a permanent seat despite dominating most of the Security Council's agenda and providing the largest contingents to peacekeeping missions.
He has demanded two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa.
President William Ruto, concluded by stating that the UN, despite its weaknesses, remains humanity's best chance for global solidarity and urged for it to be made "fit for purpose" to reflect today's realities.
