President William Ruto has urged the United Nations to undertake urgent reforms to reflect modern global realities, warning that failure to act risks consigning the institution to irrelevance.
Delivering Kenya’s National Statement during the General Assembly Debate in New York, President Ruto praised the UN’s legacy in preventing world wars, advancing human rights, and delivering humanitarian relief.
However, he stressed that these achievements cannot overshadow the body’s shortcomings in addressing today’s complex challenges, including conflict, climate change, inequality, and disruptive technologies.
“The UN cannot claim to be united while Africa, with 54 nations, remains excluded from permanent representation on the Security Council and denied a voice at the top table,” Ruto said, adding that true legitimacy requires inclusivity and decisive action.
He called on member states to reimagine the UN’s founding vision of peace, development, and human rights, insisting that renewal is essential at this crossroads between progress and decline.
Beyond governance reform, Ruto also demanded a restructuring of the international financial system, arguing that its outdated rules unfairly punish vulnerable nations with crushing debt and high borrowing costs, while rewarding wealthier economies.
His remarks positioned Kenya at the forefront of global calls for a more equitable and representative multilateral order, aligning with Africa’s longstanding demand for a stronger voice in international decision-making.
By Michelle Ndaga
