Ruto delivers 'thought provoking' speech at UN Assembly

By Peter Ochieng 

President William Ruto on Thursday delivered what can be termed as a 'thought provoking' speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US.

The president reminded global leaders that the world is headed in an undesirable direction, due to lack of solidarity.

"The spirit of multilateralism and global solidarity is essential, now. We should all rise to the challenges of the moment — such as insecurity and climate crisis — rather than pursue narrow and insular interests to maintain the status quo that undermines and cannibalises the United Nations system at the expense of humanity’s collective journey to progress," said Ruto.

Africa, he added had decided not to no longer ask for handouts as a survival tactic.

"Africa has elected to step forward to the world — not to ask for hand-outs — but to work with the rest of the globe and offer every human being in this world a decent chance of security and prosperity through mobilising resources, confronting insecurity and resolving conflicts. We remain proactively committed and determined in our contributions to stability."

He said that the international community had failed Haiti, at the hour of need.

The Caribbean nation is tackling an upsurge in organised criminal gangs, with over 2000 people having been killed since 2021.

"The international community has failed the solidarity and collective action test so far in Haiti. The Caribbean nation deserves better from the world. In the face of the historic neglect and betrayal, inaction is no longer an option. We must mobilise and urgently respond to the threats from the deadly gang violence in the country," said Ruto.

On climate change, he warned that no development will be realised without proper action being taken towards mitigating effects.

"Climate action and sustainable development goals must be pursued simultaneously and with greater resolve, urgency and ambition. No meaningful development can occur in countries that are also struggling with climate change shocks. That is why Africa has undertaken to consider the dual problems through an opportunity lens, and to deliver effective solutions by pursuing a fresh trajectory."

He proposed the establishment of a global public climate financing mechanism funded by a global carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, besides calling for the creation of a new global climate finance charter by 2025.