President William Ruto. Photo/FB
By Daisy Okiring
President William Ruto has warned that the United Nations risks sliding into irrelevance unless it undertakes urgent reforms that reflect today’s global realities.
Delivering Kenya’s National Statement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ruto said the world body must adapt beyond its 1945 structure by reforming its organs, strengthening its mandate, and aligning its decisions with current dynamics.
“No matter how noble the UN’s origins or how impactful its legacy, it must adapt to remain relevant,” he said. “Institutions rarely fail because they lack vision or ideals; they drift into irrelevance when they fail to adapt, hesitate to act, and lose legitimacy.”
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He emphasized that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership on the Security Council was a glaring injustice that undermined the credibility of the institution. “This exclusion is not only unacceptable, unfair, and grossly unjust; it also undermines the very credibility of the United Nations,” he said, insisting that reforming the Security Council is not a favor to Africa but a necessity for the UN’s survival.
Focus on finance, climate, and conflict
The President used his address to decry the global financial system, describing it as punitive to poor countries while rewarding wealthier nations. He called for sweeping reforms, including affordable climate finance and the unlocking of the $300 billion pledged at the UN Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Without affordable finance and reform of the international financial architecture, the promise of climate action in Africa will remain constrained,” Ruto said.
Turning to conflicts, he urged consistency in responding to crises across the world, pointing to ongoing wars in Gaza and Sudan. He demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages, and a credible process toward a two-state solution.
“Only through such a process can the vision of Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security be realised,” he said.
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Africa’s climate action and Kenya’s global role
Ruto also stressed that Africa is not a passive victim of climate change but an active leader in solutions. “Climate change is the greatest threat of our age, but also one of the greatest opportunities. Kenya and Africa are taking bold steps, showing that climate action can be the foundation for inclusive growth,” he said.
On peacekeeping, he highlighted progress in Haiti, where Kenya leads the multinational security mission. According to Ruto, schools had reopened, roads were free from gang blockades, kidnappings had reduced, and critical infrastructure such as the airport and seaport had resumed operations.
However, he cautioned that the mission remained underfunded and urged the Security Council and partners to remain committed. “I urge the Security Council and all partners to remain steadfast in ensuring that Haiti moves forward on a path of peace, stability, and renewal,” he said.
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