Kenya is expected to deposit its instrument of ratification for the Law of the Sea’s treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The agreement, adopted in 2023, addresses gaps in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing and the regulation of illegal fishing
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By TWV Team
President William Ruto has said Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is “unacceptable and indefensible”, insisting that the historic injustice must come to an end.
“Yet we remain the only continent without permanent representation. This historic injustice must end, the time to act is now,” he declared. The Head of State made the remarks during the 7th Summit of the Committee of 10 (C-10) Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UN Security Council, convened by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Also in attendance were João Lourenço, President of Angola and current Chair of the African Union (AU), Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
President Ruto said the UN’s credibility would be judged by whether it finally delivers justice and representation for Africa, urging African leaders to amplify the continent’s voice at bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms. He called for unity in the pursuit of fair representation at the Security Council and the defence of the Common African Position.
The summit marked the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, both of which reaffirm Africa’s demand for at least two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats on the Security Council.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya’s participation at this year’s UNGA seeks to:
- Reaffirm the country’s commitment to rules-based multilateralism and global cooperation.
- Advocate for a reformed, strengthened, inclusive, and representative UN.
- Highlight the socio-economic impact of key UN mandates on Kenya and the wider Global South.
Kenya also aims to advance its bid to host more UN offices in Nairobi, strengthening its status as a global multilateral hub.
“The 80th Session of the UN General Assembly presents Kenya with a chance to boost its prominence while showcasing its progress towards Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the ministry said.
Kenya will push for reforms to the international financial framework to support funding for the SDGs, while championing environment and climate resilience ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and UNEA-7, which will be hosted in Nairobi this December.
The country will also seek progress on the operationalisation of the African Monetary Fund, the African Central Bank, and the African Investment Bank, key institutions to promote intra-African trade, financial sovereignty, and macroeconomic stability.
During the UN’s 2025 Treaty Event, Kenya is expected to deposit its instrument of ratification for the Law of the Sea’s treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The agreement, adopted in 2023, addresses gaps in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing and the regulation of illegal fishing.
Kenya’s ratification would also enhance its role as a regional hub for Blue Economy matters, given its continental shelf spans approximately 103,400 square kilometres, about one-fifth of its land mass.
Kenya will participate in a series of side meetings on peace, security, trade, health, and climate change. These include:
- The Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).
- High-level discussions on affordable housing, where Kenya is championing global support.
- Health dialogues hosted by the World Health Organisation, focusing on non-communicable diseases, mental health, and health equity.
- Engagements with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Commonwealth, the G20, and the Group of 77 and China.
On peace and security, Kenya will seek backing for stabilisation efforts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Haiti. Kenya will also lobby for the election of its candidates to key international bodies. Among them is Professor Phoebe Okowa, endorsed by the African Union as a candidate for judge at the International Court of Justice for the 2025–2027 term, with elections due in November.
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