President William Ruto has urged African nations to harness technology as a catalyst for economic growth.
During a High-Level Convening on the ‘Accra Reset’ at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ruto emphasized that technology serves as a crucial enabler of sustainable competitiveness, with the potential to elevate African nations to middle-income status.
“Our mission is to mobilize Africa’s capabilities on a large scale, enhance our technological agency, and transform innovation into increased productivity, new enterprises, and opportunities for our people,” he stated.
As a key figure among global leaders at the General Debate’s opening, Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s leadership of the MasterKey Corridor, which connects African skills and credentials to cross-border opportunities.
He highlighted the importance of Africa becoming a creator of the technologies that will define this century and contributing to the regulations that govern them. He pointed out that the Accra Reset offers a practical platform to advance this vision and ensure that technological advancements lead to shared prosperity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres inaugurated the General Assembly, followed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and U.S. President Donald Trump. This event marks the start of a week filled with speeches from heads of state, governments, and delegations, complemented by a series of eight bilateral meetings and diplomatic engagements that commenced on Monday.
Additionally, President Ruto co-hosted the Partners for Multilateralism Summit alongside European Council President António Costa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The President noted the necessity of reforming the rules and institutions established 80 years ago to restore trust in international cooperation, as they have not adapted to the current global landscape.
“This is why Kenya advocates for the reform of the UN Security Council to enhance its representation and inclusivity, particularly for Africa,” he stated.
He emphasized Kenya’s commitment to reforming the international financial architecture to ensure fairness, accurately price risk, and empower developing countries to mobilize more of their own capital for development.
“Trust will be restored when multilateralism operates more equitably, rules are applied consistently, institutions reflect the world they govern, and cooperation yields tangible results for people,” President Ruto explained.
He is set to deliver Kenya’s main address to the General Assembly on Wednesday.
The General Debate will continue through Saturday and conclude on Monday, September 28. This year’s UN General Assembly theme is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”
Several high-level meetings will occur alongside the debate, focusing on critical issues such as climate action, sea-level rise, development finance, industrialization, child health, and nutrition, among others.
