Ruto urges international partners to honour climate financing pledges ahead of COP30
He highlighted Kenya’s progress in reforestation and climate action while urging global leaders to prioritise environmental conservation.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability, revealing that 750 million trees were planted in 2024 as part of the country’s ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
Addressing foreign diplomats during the New Year Diplomatic Address at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, Ruto called on nations to treat climate action as an urgent responsibility, reaffirming Kenya’s dedication to working with partners to advance the climate agenda.
More To Read
He highlighted Kenya’s progress in reforestation and climate action while urging global leaders to prioritise environmental conservation.
"On environmental matters, inaction and geopolitical divisions only heighten the risks we all face. Climate threats do not recognise borders; they demand a collective global response," he said.
He said Kenya is in the process of transitioning to a green economy, adding that over 93 per cent of the country’s grid electricity is generated from renewable sources, including geothermal, wind, and solar energy.
He called on international partners to honour their climate financing commitments as COP30 approaches, stressing that Kenya will continue championing equitable climate financing while ensuring Africa's voice is central in global climate discussions.
“Our National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign, targeting 15 billion trees by 2032, is on course. In 2024, our efforts led to the planting and growing of 750 million trees. As we approach COP30, we call on international partners to honour their climate financing commitments. Kenya will continue leading by example, advocating equitable climate financing and ensuring that Africa’s voice remains central in global climate discussions. I urge your support in this endeavour,” he said.
The Head of State also commended international missions and organisations in Kenya for their contributions to trade, investment, health, education, technology transfer, infrastructure development, capacity building, and security.
"Kenya deeply values the expertise and resources you bring to our shared efforts. The diplomatic community serves as a vital bridge between nations, fostering dialogue and cooperation," he said.
Mutual interests
He assured foreign envoys of Kenya’s commitment to engaging in bilateral, regional, and global partnerships, urging them to collaborate freely with his government on mutual interests.
"Let us strengthen our partnerships to ensure that our collective efforts translate into meaningful progress for our people and the world,” he said.
Ruto also reaffirmed Kenya’s strong belief in multilateralism, noting that the country plays a critical role as the host of the only UN headquarters in Africa and the Global South—the UN Office in Nairobi, which includes UNEP and UN-Habitat.
He said Kenya’s leadership in environmental and climate diplomacy is guided by the outcomes of the Africa Climate Summit 2023, which emphasised the need for increased climate adaptation and mitigation financing.
He also called for urgent reforms in multilateral institutions to ensure they are more responsive to the needs of all nations.
"Kenya strongly supports UN reform, particularly greater representation for Africa. With 54 Member States, 28 per cent of the UN’s membership, Africa must have a stronger voice to uphold fairness and equality in global decision-making. We hold similar views regarding international financial institutions," he said.
Ruto further advocated for reforms in the global financial system to ensure fair debt restructuring, climate financing, and development support. He highlighted Kenya’s success in securing concessional funding through the IDA window of the World Bank, with the IDA 21 replenishment summit in Nairobi raising $100 billion—the highest amount ever achieved.
"I urge our esteemed partners to back these necessary reforms for a more equitable and just economic system," he said.
The president reiterated Kenya’s commitment to strengthening Nairobi’s position as a hub for multilateral diplomacy by improving privileges for international organisations, expanding infrastructure, and enhancing security.
He emphasised that the evolving global landscape requires urgent changes to ensure multilateral institutions meet the needs of all nations fairly and effectively.
Top Stories Today
