President William Ruto has conferred former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with Kenya’s highest national award, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH).
In a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, Ruto praised Ban Ki-moon for his exceptional global leadership, his tireless advocacy, and unwavering dedication to building a peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
“As the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, you distinguished yourself as a bridge-builder and a champion of the world’s most vulnerable,” he said.
Ruto acknowledged Ban Ki-moon’s role in elevating climate change on the global agenda, starting with the 2007 Climate Change Summit and continuing through consistent diplomatic efforts that led to unprecedented international cooperation.
The President also commended his legacy of strengthening the United Nations during his tenure, especially in responding to global crises like food insecurity, energy shortages, and health pandemics.
He noted that Ban Ki-moon amplified the voices of the marginalised and mobilised critical resources during the global financial crisis, easing suffering for millions.
“Your steadfast commitment to the Millennium Development Goals delivered tangible progress, particularly for Africa,” Ruto added.
The president highlighted the creation of UN Women and other initiatives aimed at ending violence against women, calling them proof of the former UN Secretary-General’s belief in inclusive and just development.
“Kenya is proud to honour you for your lifetime of service to humanity,” Ruto said.
“May this award serve as our profound appreciation of your vision, dedication, and the lasting impact of your work.”
In his acceptance remarks, Ban Ki-moon said it was humbling for him be receive such recognition in the country.
He added that the people of Kenya mean so much to him professionally and personally noting that it is in Kenya where his daughter meat her husband and where his grandson lived in his earlier years.
“I thank you form the bottom of my heart for this honour. It's a truly humbling moment for me to accept this award. I feel such a strong kinship with Kenya and the people of Kenya. You have meant so much to me both in my professional and personal life.
“During my two-terms as the 8th Secretary General of the United Nations, I visited Kenya more than any other countries in Africa,” Ban Ki-moon said.
