President Ruto Delivering Speech at UNGA@80, New York

On 24th September 2025, the President and Head of State and Government of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, delivered a landmark speech at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In a powerful address to the global community, President Ruto underscored the urgent need for the United Nations to adapt to the complex challenges of the 21st century, including conflicts, climate change, inequality, and evolving global governance dynamics. Drawing on both historical lessons and Kenya’s own experience in multilateral peacekeeping, the President called for a reinvigorated UN that is fit for purpose, legitimate, and responsive to the realities of today’s world.
President Ruto highlighted the plight of Haiti, where Kenya led the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) over the past fifteen months. He praised the resilience and dedication of Kenyan forces in restoring security, reopening schools, and ensuring safe operations at key infrastructure, while stressing that coordinated international support remains essential for sustainable peace.
Turning to pressing humanitarian issues, the President expressed deep concern over the situations in Gaza and Sudan, urging adherence to international humanitarian law, unconditional release of hostages, and the resumption of political dialogue. He reaffirmed Kenya’s support for a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine and emphasized the importance of Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
On climate change, President Ruto presented Kenya and Africa as proactive drivers of solutions. He highlighted that 93% of Kenya’s electricity comes from renewable sources, with investments expanding into e-mobility, climate-smart agriculture, and green manufacturing. Africa’s collective initiatives, including the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Action and successive Africa Climate Summits, were showcased as models of climate-positive growth, resilience, and job creation.
President Ruto also addressed global financial inequities, criticizing the outdated governance of institutions like the IMF and World Bank. He called for reforms to democratize decision-making, provide fair access to resources for developing countries, and strengthen Africa’s financial independence. Kenya’s support for initiatives such as the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, the African Central Bank, African Monetary Fund, and African Investment Bank was highlighted as evidence of Africa taking proactive steps toward economic self-determination.
Finally, the President emphasized Africa’s long-standing demand for Security Council reform, advocating for two permanent and two non-permanent seats for the continent. He framed this not as a favor, but as a necessity for the UN’s legitimacy and continued relevance in a multipolar world.
Concluding his address, President Ruto urged the international community to seize the UN at 80 milestone as an opportunity to reimagine and rebuild the United Nations into a body capable of delivering justice, peace, and development for all nations