President William Ruto has pressed for Africa’s permanent inclusion in the United Nations Security Council, declaring that leaving the continent out of the body’s leadership is unjust and cannot be defended.
Addressing the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform in New York on Sunday, Ruto said Africa must no longer be sidelined in global decision-making.
“We must correct this historic injustice to make the UN fit for purpose,” he stated. “African leaders must unite behind fair representation and defend the Common African Position.”
The President made clear that Kenya will back Africa’s joint campaign for reform, saying the continent’s concerns should not continue to be delayed. He also encouraged African countries to prepare themselves for the responsibilities that come with holding permanent membership. “As we press for representation, we must also agree on how we will choose our representatives,” Ruto added.
The summit, called by Sierra Leone on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, brought together leaders from across the continent under the Committee of Ten (C10), which has been steering Africa’s stand on Security Council changes.
Ruto, who landed in New York on Sunday for the UNGA, is expected to use the platform to promote an inclusive United Nations able to address pressing global peace and security issues. His agenda highlights the situations in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Haiti.
He will also host a high-level event on Haiti to share Kenya’s experience in the Multinational Security Support Mission and help shape strategies to strengthen international security.
As Chair of the African Union’s Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Ruto will lead talks aimed at consolidating Africa’s position ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Beyond that, he will bring together more than 30 Heads of State and Government for a High-Level Breakfast on Affordable Housing, presenting it as a foundation for social and economic transformation.
In addition, the President is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with world leaders, development agencies, and private sector executives to secure investment partnerships in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and technology as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
