President Ruto calls for urgent reforms at UN Security Council

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto has said there is need for significant reforms for the United Nations Security Council needs significant reforms.

Speaking at the Future Summit at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, September 23, 2024, Ruto demanded an immediate reform of the UNSC to better prepare it to handle the world's evolving threats.

In a message through his verified social media handles, the President expressed his frustration over the current system's inability to address important international issues. 

Ruto said that the UNSC, as created, has proven ineffective in dealing with conflicts such as climate change, increased inequality, increased debt burdens, and ongoing conflicts.

The current system has proved inadequate in resolving current crises such as climate change, inequality, debt burden, and conflict. The current arrangement continues to falter in providing any solutions, let alone at the right time," he wrote.

Ruto warned that without quick and bold reforms, the world will only be to blame when it finds itself in the midst of an "unprecedented global crisis."

He further emphasized that international challenges are connected and must be addressed with a unified response, immediately on an international flight. 

According to him, the UNSC, which plays a very important role in maintaining international peace and security, has shown gentleness to adapt to the complexities of modern conflicts.

While giving his speech, President Ruto called on world leaders to take bold steps and review how the Security Council works. 

He added that the body needs to be empowered to move faster and more significantly, especially in a world where the threats posed by, among other things, climate change and global inequality increase every day.

His remarks contradicted the growing calls from various international leaders and experts who are calling for reform of the UNSC.

Concluding his speech, Ruto emphasized that the need for international cooperation in today's affairs requires world leaders to unite towards a more representative, inclusive international governance system.

The president's statement is likely to speed up the rise of reformist calls at the United Nations, as more voices continue to be pushed by a system better equipped to address the problems of the 21st century.