President William Ruto has stepped up calls for Africa’s permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the continent’s exclusion as “unacceptable and indefensible.”

His remarks came hours after arriving in the United States on Sunday, September 21, 2025, ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

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The Assembly, which opened on September 9 and runs until September 29, provides a key platform for global discussions.

While addressing the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform, convened by Sierra Leone during UNGA, he reiterated Africa’s demand for permanent representation, saying, “We must correct this historic injustice to make the UN fit for purpose. African leaders must amplify Africa’s voice across all platforms, unite behind fair representation, and defend the Common African Position. Kenya will fully support this so Africa’s demands are no longer deferred.”

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He emphasised that as Africa presses for representation, it must also be ready to shoulder the responsibilities of permanent membership, including agreeing on how to choose its representatives. “We must amplify Africa’s voice in every forum… unity is our greatest strength,” read an X post dated September 22, 2025.

Beyond UN reform, President Ruto is focusing on peace efforts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Haiti.

Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti recently recaptured the strategic TELECO site in Kenscoff, and the country will host a high-level side event on Haiti during UNGA week to share lessons from the Multinational Security Support Mission.

In a post on X dated September 21, President Ruto outlined his priorities, saying he looked forward to advocating reform of the global financial system, fair development finance, a more inclusive UN, and stronger global climate action.

He added that he would engage heads of state, government and private sector leaders to strengthen ties and explore new areas of cooperation to advance Kenya’s transformation agenda.

On arrival, Ruto was received by international leaders and Kenyan officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

As Chair of the African Union’s Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, Ruto will also lead discussions ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Additionally, he will host a High-Level Breakfast on Affordable Housing, bringing together over 30 Heads of State. Bilateral meetings with global leaders, development partners and industry executives are scheduled to secure investments in agriculture, technology, infrastructure and energy, according to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.