Kenya to press for urgent interventions in conflict-hit regions at UN General Assembly

President William Ruto addresses the Summit of the Future, United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York on September 22, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, September 21, 2025

Ruto is also expected to call for reforms to the UN system, fairer access to global financing and stronger multilateral cooperation.

Kenya will press for urgent interventions in conflict-hit regions, including Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Haiti during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, where President William Ruto will champion Africa’s voice on peace, finance and climate action.

Ruto, who departed from the country on Saturday, is also expected to call for reforms to the UN system, fairer access to global financing and stronger multilateral cooperation.

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In a statement, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the 80th UNGA comes at a “consequential moment” when world leaders are focusing on multilateralism at a historic inflection point.

“At the 80th UNGA, the President will reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism, advocate for reforms of the global financial system and call for fair access to development finance for developing countries,” he noted.

Hussein added that the President will also “push for reforms of the United Nations to make it more inclusive and to address global peace and security challenges, including enhancing peace efforts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Haiti.”

During the week-long summit, President Ruto will attend the Committee of Ten (C-10) Summit, where he is set to champion Africa’s position on UN Security Council reform and emphasise cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kenya will also host a high-level side event on Haiti to share lessons from the deployment of its troops under the Multinational Security Support Mission, which aims to inform the next steps in global security efforts.

As Chair of the African Union’s Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Ruto will lead deliberations to consolidate Africa’s common stance and rally leaders ahead of COP30, set to take place in Belém, Brazil.

He is also scheduled to host a High-Level Breakfast on Affordable Housing, with more than 30 Heads of State and Government expected to attend, positioning housing as a pillar of social transformation.

In addition, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with world leaders, development partners and industry executives to attract investment and secure partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, infrastructure and energy under Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Assembly, which opened on September 9, will run until September 29. Its high-level week begins on September 22 with a commemorative meeting to mark the UN’s 80th anniversary. That afternoon, the UN will host the “SDG Moment,” a flagship event to rally global action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

From September 23 to 29, heads of state and government are expected to deliver their national statements during the general debate, outlining positions on issues such as conflicts, climate change, economic recovery and institutional reform.

President Ruto is expected to table enhanced climate action plans, with Kenya’s delegation drawing influence from Nairobi’s leadership on climate adaptation financing and its hosting of the Africa Climate Summit.

The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit will also take place on September 23, bringing together businesses, civil society and governments to explore private-sector contributions to sustainable development.

Climate will dominate discussions on September 24 during a special summit where countries are expected to present updated commitments to cut emissions and boost adaptation financing.