NEW YORK, September 29, 2026 — President William Ruto has used Kenya’s address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to call for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
Speaking to world leaders in New York, Ruto said Africa must have a meaningful voice in decisions on global peace and security. The continent has 54 UN member states but no permanent seat on the council, whose five permanent members hold veto power.
The President placed the demand within a wider call for international institutions to reflect the world they serve today. He also urged changes to the global financial system, arguing that high borrowing costs and debt servicing limit the money developing countries can spend on healthcare, education and other priorities.
Ruto called for greater access to affordable, long-term capital, including financing arrangements that share risk and make investment easier. His address linked the question of Africa’s representation to the practical challenge of funding development.
The speech made Security Council reform and fairer development financing central themes of Kenya’s UNGA message, alongside the delegation’s agreements and investment engagements in New York.
News tags: Kenya, UNGA 81, William Ruto, UN Security Council, African Representation, Development Finance