President William Ruto/SCREENGRAB
President William Ruto has renewed his call for urgent and far-reaching reforms at the United Nations, warning that the global body risks losing its legitimacy and survival if it fails to adapt to present realities.
Speaking during an interview on France 24 on Friday, Ruto noted that the UN had served humanity for decades but stressed that its governance model no longer reflects today’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
"Today, we have a UN that has served humanity for over 80 years, but there is one thing that is an imperative now. It is not if, it's when, and that when is now…the reform of this great organisation. Because unless this organisation is reformed, its own survival is at stake," he said during the interview.
The President outlined several areas he believes are fundamental to the UN’s transformation.
He pointed to decision-making processes, institutional architecture, representation, and the need for the organisation to be more democratic and responsive to current global challenges.
According to Ruto, these are no longer abstract issues but pressing realities confronting both developed and developing nations.
He linked his remarks to the ongoing push by African countries for a stronger voice within the UN system, particularly the Security Council.
For years, the African Union has demanded permanent seats and voting rights to reflect the continent’s population, economic weight, and role in global peacekeeping.
Ruto said the call is no longer a “remote debate" but a consensus reflected in the tone of this week’s high-level summit.
“The debate of today is different from that of several years back. It is clear, as demonstrated by global leaders during the summit, that they are united in one thing, which is reform of the UN and its structures," he stated.
Ruto also tied the issue to the reform of international financial architecture, arguing that developing countries continue to bear the brunt of outdated systems.
He insisted that meaningful change at the UN and global finance institutions is essential to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and effectiveness in addressing global crises.
Speaking at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, Ruto noted that despite Africa’s heavy involvement in peacekeeping and its centrality on the Council’s agenda, the continent remains the only region without permanent representation.
“Africa deserves two permanent seats with full rights, including the veto, and two additional non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council. Africa’s exclusion is not only unacceptable, unfair, and grossly unjust; it also undermines the very credibility of the United Nations,” he said.
