Ruto to attend UNGA to advocate for African representation in reformed security council

President William Ruto is set to depart for New York tonight to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where global leaders are gathering to address key international challenges, including sustainable development, global governance, and climate action.

A key priority on President Ruto’s agenda is advocating for comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions like the United Nations.

He is expected to call for a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC) that includes permanent African representation, a long-standing goal for the continent that has been pursued since 2005.

Kenya, as part of the African Union's Committee of Ten (C-10), has been pushing for a common African position on UNSC reform.

Efforts to reform the Council began with the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) during the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly in 2009.

Currently, the UNSC has five permanent members— the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia— all of whom hold veto power, while non-permanent members rotate.

President Ruto is expected to advocate for expedited reforms to ensure global institutions remain relevant and responsive to the urgent challenges facing developing nations, particularly in Africa.

He will highlight the need for these reforms during the upcoming Summit of the Future, organised by the UN, where he will address the inefficiencies of the current multilateral system.

Ruto's concerns focus on the system's failure to effectively manage interconnected crises such as climate change, debt burdens, ongoing conflicts, and the erosion of democratic governance.

In his address to the General Assembly on Thursday, President Ruto will also draw attention to the global inaction regarding the crisis in Haiti.

Kenya is leading a multinational force, though poorly equipped, aimed at restoring stability in the Caribbean nation.

Despite Kenya’s leadership, UN member states have yet to contribute significant funding or support for the mission, with the US being the only country to invest millions of dollars.

Ruto is expected to urge world leaders to contribute troops, funds, and equipment to support the force and address the escalating crisis in Haiti.