Ruto pushes for global equity, Africa's fair share at UN social summit

President William Ruto on Tuesday delivered a powerful pan-African message at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, urging a fairer global order, debt reform, and equitable representation for Africa in international institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the African Group of States, President Ruto called on world leaders to revive the spirit of global solidarity first affirmed at the 1995 Copenhagen Summit.

He emphasised that the international system must place people at the centre of development and work to dismantle long-standing inequalities.

Ruto noted that while global efforts over the past three decades have achieved progress in poverty reduction, education, food security, and social protection, inequality continues to erode these gains, especially in developing regions.

“Poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion have been, and remain, the defining challenges of our time. Confronting them is not charity; it is justice for our people,” he said.

The President warned that hunger is rising, economic growth is slowing, and vulnerability is deepening across parts of Africa and Western Asia.

He said health and education systems are under pressure while energy deficits continue to limit opportunities for millions.

Ruto also cautioned that the digital divide has become one of the world’s most significant barriers to social mobility. He urged nations to ensure affordable internet, digital devices, and technology skills for all, including persons with disabilities, so that no learner or community is left behind.

Turning to economic justice, the President renewed his call for comprehensive reform of the global financial system, including a fairer and more transparent debt regime.

He reiterated Africa’s demand for a United Nations Convention on sovereign debt and a global framework on international tax cooperation to curb capital flight and illicit financial flows that undermine development.

Ruto further called for greater support for Africa’s productive sectors and the formalisation of the informal economy, referencing the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Right to Development as key pillars of inclusive growth.

In one of his most emphatic appeals, the President reaffirmed Africa’s long-standing demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council, insisting the continent deserves two permanent and two non-permanent seats with full voting rights, including veto power.

He tied this to historical justice, noting that 2025 has been declared by the African Union as the Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent, focused on reparations for slavery, colonisation, apartheid, and exploitation.

As the world prepares to mark 25 years since the Durban Declaration against racism in 2026, Ruto urged nations to amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

“Let us envision a future that is inclusive, resilient, and just—a world free of hunger, poverty, disease, racism, and inequality,” he said.

He added that the summit must rebuild trust in multilateralism and ensure social development remains at the heart of global priorities.