President William Ruto departs for New York this evening to attend the High-Level Week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), marking his first visit to the United States since Donald Trump’s election.

The visit comes at a historic inflection point for multilateralism, with world leaders gathering to deliberate on global security, climate change, and financial reforms.

Ruto is expected to use the platform to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism and champion Africa’s voice on reforms to the global financial system.

He will also call for fair access to development finance for developing countries.

Push for UN Reforms 

At the 80th UNGA, Ruto will push for reforms of the United Nations to make it more inclusive and effective in addressing global peace and security challenges.

These include peace efforts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Haiti.

The President will participate in the Committee of Ten (C-10) Summit to advance Africa’s position on UN Security Council reform and stress cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Kenya will also host a high-level side event on Haiti to review lessons learned from the deployment of troops under the Multinational Security Support Mission.

Championing Africa on Climate Change

In his role as Chair of the African Union’s Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Ruto will lead deliberations on consolidating Africa’s climate position ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Additionally, he will host a High-Level Breakfast on Affordable Housing, attended by more than 30 Heads of State and Government, highlighting housing as a pillar of social transformation.

Bilateral Talks With Global Leaders 

Beyond the multilateral forums, Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with global leaders, development partners, and industry executives.

The discussions will focus on advancing Kenya’s strategic interests, attracting investment, and securing partnerships in agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and energy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The State House Spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed, emphasized that the President’s agenda underscores Kenya’s role in shaping global debates on finance, climate, and peace, while also positioning the country as a leading voice for Africa at the UN.