On September 22, 2026, President William Ruto addressed the High-Level Convening on the ‘Accra Reset’ during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He urged the international community to rethink the way global financial and governance systems operate. Ruto emphasized that Africa should be able to utilize its financial resources more effectively to drive development. He highlighted that African countries have considerable domestic savings that could support development across the continent.
Ruto made similar remarks at the Kenya-European Union Partnership for Multilateralism Summit in New York City. He stressed that Africa should not be forced to choose between the East and the West as it pursues its development interests. The President stated, “We are not facing east nor are we facing west; we are facing forward.” This statement reflects his call for stronger cooperation among countries and a focus on shared interests.
The President also emphasized the need for a more equitable application of international law. He argued that the future of the world should not be determined by a few countries and later imposed on the rest. Ruto called for a system based on wider cooperation and shared interests. This, he believes, will allow countries to work together more effectively and address global challenges.
Ruto's call for reforms covered both international governance and global finance. He focused on creating systems that allow countries, particularly in Africa, to use available resources more effectively for development. The President's remarks reflect his commitment to promoting African development and interests on the global stage.
Earlier, Ruto held talks with Dangote Industries President and CEO Aliko Dangote and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) CEO Samaila Zubairu. During the engagement, he announced that Kenya will launch the groundbreaking of the East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The refinery is expected to play a role in strengthening energy security in East Africa while also supporting industrialisation in the region.
The President is in New York for the ongoing United Nations General Assembly, where he has been holding a series of engagements on global and regional issues. Ruto's engagements have focused on promoting African development, international cooperation, and reforms in global financial and governance systems. His speech at the United Nations General Assembly reflects Kenya's commitment to playing a leading role in global affairs.
Ruto's visit to the United States also highlights the importance of international partnerships in promoting development and addressing global challenges. The President's call for reforms in global financial and governance systems reflects a broader effort to promote a more equitable and cooperative international order.
Key points
- President William Ruto urges the international community to rethink global financial and governance systems.
- Ruto calls for stronger cooperation among countries and a focus on shared interests.
- The President announces the launch of the East Africa Refinery in Lamu to strengthen energy security and support industrialisation.
