Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been conferred with Kenya’s highest civilian award, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, in recognition of his distinguished global service.
In a statement from State House, President William Ruto congratulated Ban for his outstanding leadership and lifelong commitment to peace, justice, and sustainable development. The president hailed Ban’s enduring influence, particularly in the areas of climate action and international cooperation.
“As the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, your visionary leadership brought climate change to the forefront of the global agenda, beginning with the 2007 Climate Change Summit,” President Ruto said. “Your efforts galvanized international action that remains critical as Africa confronts the harsh realities of a changing climate.”
President Ruto also acknowledged Ban’s transformative reforms within the UN system, which strengthened its response to global crises including pandemics, economic shocks, and food insecurity. He credited Ban for the progress achieved under the Millennium Development Goals, noting their significant impact across Africa.
Ruto further praised Ban Ki-moon’s steadfast advocacy for human rights and gender equality, citing his role in the establishment of UN Women and initiatives to combat violence against women as key milestones of his inclusive development agenda.
The award comes ahead of the official groundbreaking of the Global Centre on Adaptation’s new headquarters in Nairobi, an institution closely tied to Ban’s climate legacy. President Ruto called the project “a symbol of our shared resolve to build resilience and secure a sustainable future.”
“Kenya is proud to honour you for your lifetime of service to humanity,” he added. “May this award serve as our profound appreciation of your vision, dedication, and the lasting impact of your work.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
