UN General Assembly chief visits Kenya to boost ties

    President of the 79th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Philemon Yang began a four-day visit to Kenya on Tuesday to bolster cooperation between the country and the global body, the Kenyan government said.

    Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said that Yang’s visit will reinforce the country’s pivotal role in multilateral diplomacy and its commitment to advancing key global and regional priorities.

    “This visit will underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and the United Nations, and rearms Kenya’s leadership in regional and global affairs,” the ministry said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

    During his visit, Yang is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto and senior government officials, where he will outline his vision and priorities for his tenure.

    Discussions will focus on peace and security, sustainable development, financing for development, digitalization, and strengthening international cooperation.

    The UN official will also deliver a public lecture and engage with members of the UN community, academia, policy think tanks, innovators, and private-sector stakeholders.

    In addition to meetings with government officials, Yang is also scheduled to engage with representatives of the United Nations and private-sector stakeholders among others.

    “In addition to his engagements with the Head of State and senior government officials, the President of the General Assembly will deliver a public lecture, meet with members of the United Nations Community, interact with members of the academia, policy think tanks, innovators and stakeholders from the private sector. He will also make a visit to green spaces and wildlife conservation areas in Nairobi,” the statement added.

    The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said the visit underscores the deep and enduring partnership between Kenya and the United Nations. 

    “The President of the General Assembly will outline his vision and priorities during his tenure, particularly in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development, financing for development, digitalization, and strengthening international cooperation.

    “This visit will underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and the United Nations and reaffirms Kenya’s leadership in regional and global affairs,” the statement concluded.