President William Ruto departs for Addis Ababa this afternoon to attend the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake.
The high-level meeting, which brings together world leaders, development partners and private sector representatives, aims to take stock of global efforts to transform food systems amid growing concerns over climate change, food insecurity and economic shocks.
President Ruto is expected to deliver Kenya’s national statement, in which he will reaffirm the country’s commitment to sustainable food systems and climate resilience.
Kenya, a country grappling with the effects of prolonged drought and erratic rainfall, has been pushing for greater investment in agricultural innovation and climate-smart farming.
While in Addis Ababa, the President will also participate in a series of thematic discussions focused on aligning food systems with sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
On the margins of the summit, Mr Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with key leaders, including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including trade, infrastructure, regional integration, and climate action. Strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation on food security will also feature prominently.
The summit comes at a time when African countries are calling for more equitable global partnerships to address hunger and climate vulnerability. Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in food systems transformation and is seeking increased international support to scale up its efforts.
President Ruto is accompanied by senior government officials and is expected to return to Nairobi after the conclusion of the summit.
— BBC News, Nairobi.
