Ruto presses UN to reform, pushes for Africa’s voice on Security Council

President William Ruto says the US as is currently structured is undemocratic, unrepresentative and unfit for purpose.

President William Ruto has said that the reform of the United Nations is no longer a matter of if but when, and that the time is now.

He warned that unless the organisation undergoes fundamental restructuring, it will remain undemocratic, unrepresentative and unfit for purpose.

Ruto called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council to give Africa, with its population of 1.4 billion people, a permanent voice in global decision-making.

He added that it was equally necessary to overhaul the international financial system so that it becomes more inclusive and reflective of the needs of all nations.

"We must reform the international financial architecture so that it becomes more representative so that we have greater say (and) better representation so that we can be able to deal with challenges in a manner that represents the views of everyone."

Ruto was speaking Tuesday after attending the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

His remarks come amid growing momentum for change at the UN.

Secretary general António Guterres has repeatedly warned that the Security Council must adapt to the realities of “the world of 2025, not 1945,” stressing that the institution risks irrelevance if it continues to mirror a post-Second World War order.

His call reflects widespread frustration that the council is too often paralysed by the veto powers of its permanent members, preventing decisive action on conflicts in places such as Gaza and Ukraine.

This year’s General Assembly, convened under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” has seen reform dominate the agenda alongside urgent discussions on climate change, humanitarian crises and geopolitical tensions.

Leaders including Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the US President Joe Biden have addressed the gathering, underscoring the Assembly’s role as the most inclusive forum for international debate.

Beyond security concerns, the push for change extends to the international financial architecture.

Developing nations, particularly in Africa, have long argued that the current system favours wealthier economies and leaves poorer countries struggling to access fair financing.

Calls for reform have therefore intensified, with advocates insisting that a more representative system is vital to ensure equity and resilience in the face of global challenges.

President Ruto is scheduled to deliver Kenya’s national statement to the General Assembly on Wednesday, where he is expected to further press the case for reforms that would allow institutions born in the mid-twentieth century to remain relevant in the twenty-first.

His entourage include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Health CS Aden Duale among other dignitaries.