President William Ruto has called for reforms to the global system, arguing that Africa deserves a stronger voice in decisions shaping international peace, security and development.

Addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Ruto called for reform of the UN Security Council to give Africa equitable and permanent representation, including the rights and privileges of permanent membership.

“Africa must have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape global peace and security,” Ruto said.

The President also called for changes to the international financial architecture, arguing that developing countries often face high borrowing costs while debt repayments limit spending on essential sectors such as education, healthcare and economic development.

He urged greater access to affordable, long-term capital, guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms to help developing countries finance their development.

However, Ruto said international reform must be accompanied by stronger responsibility at the national level. Governments, he argued, must manage debt prudently, strengthen institutions, develop domestic capital markets, honour contracts and confront corruption.

His message was that Africa is not seeking charity or preferential treatment, but a fair opportunity to participate in shaping the global system.

The address placed Africa’s representation and development financing at the centre of Kenya’s UNGA message, while highlighting the need for both international reforms and stronger governance at home.

Ruto concluded by calling for a global system where every nation has a voice.