Kenya assumes chairmanship of African Group at UN, pledges unity and reform
Amb. Lokaale pledged to prioritise cohesion within the African Group and ensure Africa speaks with one voice at key global forums.
Kenya has assumed the rotating chairmanship of the African Group at the United Nations in New York for November, a role that places Nairobi at the helm of coordinating Africa's diplomatic agenda at the global body during a critical period for multilateral engagement.
The position, handed over by Guinea-Bissau at a ceremony at the African Union Mission in New York, will be held on Kenya's behalf by its Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Ekitela Lokaale. Deputy Permanent Representative Yabesh Monari and the AU's Permanent Observer to the UN, Amb. Mohamed Edrees attended the handover.
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In a statement, Amb. Lokaale pledged to prioritise cohesion within the African Group and ensure Africa speaks with one voice at key global forums.
"It is my pleasure to assume the rotating position of Chair of the African Group for the month of November. I thank my predecessors for their able leadership, which has paved the way for my smooth assumption to this role," he said.
"I intend to dedicate my efforts towards upholding the strong unity of the African Group, especially in view of the upcoming important UN conferences, including the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 and COP30, which will take place within the month."
The African Group—comprising all 54 member states of the African Union—serves as the continent's primary diplomatic caucus at the UN, shaping joint positions on peace and security, global health, sustainable development, climate finance, and institutional reform.
The chairmanship offers Kenya a platform to amplify African priorities at a time when geopolitical competition, global governance reforms, and the climate agenda dominate international diplomacy.
A key focus for Nairobi will be advancing Africa's long-standing call for reform of the UN Security Council, including pushing for permanent African representation and expanded developing-world influence within the global security architecture.
Kenya will also steer coordination on peacekeeping, conflict prevention efforts, and the continent's position ahead of ongoing climate commitments.
For President William Ruto's administration, which has increasingly placed multilateral diplomacy and South-South cooperation at the centre of its foreign policy, the role reinforces Kenya's ambition to remain a leading voice for Africa in global governance debates.
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