Friday May 5, 2023
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 4 – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has praised the role played by Kenya in fostering regional peace.
Guterres said UN appreciates Kenya’s role in Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia and Sudan in the search for lasting peace.
He said UN will continue to support efforts being done by Kenya, IGAD and Africa Union in ensuring cessation of hostilities between the two warring groups in Sudan over the country’s leadership.
“Your clear leadership direction in collaboration with AU and IGAD to address the challenges facing Sudan is commendable, ” said Mr Guterres.
Guterres made the remarks at State House, Nairobi, during a banquet dinner hosted for him and United Nations Chief Executive Board on Wednesday evening by President William Ruto.
He also lauded the efforts by Kenya in the fight against climate change.
Guterres noted that taking urgent action to combat climate change and its devastating impacts is necessary to save lives and livelihood.
“It’s better for countries to share resources than fighting alone issues to do with climate change,” said Mr Guterres.
President Ruto said Kenya recognizes the critical role of the United Nations
in promoting global cooperation supporting sustainable development, and addressing global challenges.
“Kenya is a crucial partner of the UN in multiple sectors, including implementing Agenda 2030, supporting the United Nations operations in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and food insecurity among others,” President Ruto said.
He said he was confident that the Executives Coordination Board (CEB) meeting will strengthen the role of the United Nations in delivering its global mandate.
The Head of State said there is need to reform international financing architecture that is fair to ‘us and not that favours us.’
“We need a financing system that treats us equally and not the one that favours us,” said President Ruto. our region, the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes
He noted that the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region continue to face many crises and natural calamities.
President Ruto said Kenya, in collaboration with other Member States, regional organizations, and the UN Secretariat, provides political leadership towards resolving the complex challenges.
“Specifically, Kenya has taken a leading role in championing peace in Eastern DRC through the EAC led Nairobi Process,” he said.
He added:”We are keen to work with all international partners to restore peace and security in Sudan. Somalia provides an opportunity to act in concert to consolidate gains made since the deployment of AMISOM in 2007.”
Deputu President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed and several Cabinet Secretaries among others were present.