President William Ruto will be flying out to New York on Sunday evening to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Ruto will be joining other world leaders in the annual gathering, whose focus this year is on multilateralism at a historic inflexion point.
In a communiqué from the President's office on Saturday, September 20, it was revealed that he will speak at the summit, highlighting Kenya's commitment to multilateralism and advocating for reforms that will streamline the financing of developing countries.
"President William Ruto departs this evening for New York to attend the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a consequential gathering as world leaders focus on multilateralism at a historic inflection point," the statement read in part.
"At the 80th UNGA, the President will reaffirm Kenya's commitment to multilateralism, advocate for reforms of the global financial system, and call for fair access to development finance for developing countries."
Ruto's trip comes just days before the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is scheduled to expire on September 30, unless it is renewed by the US Congress. If not renewed, the economic fallout for many African countries, including Kenya, could be severe.
Ruto's Itinerary at UNGA
President Ruto will amplify calls for enhancing peace efforts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Haiti.
He will further participate in the Committee of Ten (C-10) Summit, where he will champion Africa's position on UN Security Council reform and emphasise cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
To amplify progress on Kenya's mission in Haiti, Ruto will also host a high-level side event on the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to share lessons learned since the deployment of Kenyan troops aimed at informing the next steps in global security efforts.
He will further convene deliberations to consolidate Africa's position and rally leaders ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in his capacity as the Chair of the African Union's Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
The President will also have an opportunity to share progress on his flagship project, Affordable Housing, by hosting a High-Level Breakfast with more than 30 Heads of State and Governments, positioning housing as a pillar of social transformation.
Lastly, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with global leaders, development partners, and industry executives to advance Kenya's interests, attract investment, and secure partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and energy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The Head of State heads to the U.S. amid renewed pressure to iron out a new deal with President Donald Trump's administration to save AGOA, which expires this September.
