President William Ruto is set to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, September 23, as world leaders gather in New York for the annual high-level debate. According to the United Nations programme, the President is scheduled to speak during the General Debate in the afternoon in New York, which will be Wednesday evening in Kenya. The General Debate brings together Heads of State and Government to present their countries’ priorities and positions on major global issues.
Ruto’s participation comes as Kenya seeks to push for greater investment in Africa, increased use of artificial intelligence for development and reforms to the international financial system. The President has also been using his engagements in New York to promote Kenya as an investment destination and highlight the need for African countries to mobilise more domestic and international capital for development.
Ruto Calls for Changes to Global Financial System
During the Kenya-European Union Partnership for Multilateralism Summit on Tuesday, Ruto argued that Africa has significant financial resources that could be channelled into development if existing systems allowed capital to flow more effectively. He called for reforms to global financial and governance structures, saying African countries should have a stronger voice in decisions that affect the continent.
Ruto also called for greater international cooperation, arguing that Africa should not be forced to choose between competing global power blocs. His position was that African countries should focus on advancing their own interests and development priorities. The President has repeatedly advocated for changes to the global financial architecture, including mechanisms that can help African countries access capital and finance development more effectively.
Kenya-US Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Ruto also held discussions with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on strengthening cooperation between Kenya and the United States. The talks covered trade, technology, critical minerals, energy and regional security, with both sides exploring areas where bilateral cooperation can be expanded.
According to US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the discussions also focused on Kenya’s critical mineral opportunities and the potential role of American companies in supporting value addition. The discussions come as critical minerals gain increasing international attention because of their importance to modern technologies, energy systems and industrial development.
Focus on Africa’s Economic Potential
Ruto’s UNGA engagements have placed Africa’s financing needs, investment opportunities and technological development among the key issues on Kenya’s agenda.
The President has argued that the continent has substantial domestic financial resources but requires stronger investment structures, risk-sharing mechanisms and reforms to ensure those resources contribute more directly to economic development. His address to the UN General Assembly is expected to build on these issues while presenting Kenya’s position on global cooperation, development financing, technology and Africa’s role in international decision-making.
