Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale is among the leaders who will attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) alongside President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto.
The Ministry announced that Duale departed the country on September 21 to New York to participate in the the UN General Assembly.
This year’s assembly is themed, “Unity in Diversity, for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere.”
Top on the for Duale in New York will be the successful hosting of a meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) chaired by President Ruto.
Duale is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings and attend side events during the New York climate week aimed at shaping discussions and fostering collaboration among African leaders in tackling the climate crisis.
Beyond his role in CAHOSCC, Duale will participate in high-level discussions on environmental challenges, advocating for increased international climate financing, and highlighting Kenya’s progress in adapting to climate change and implementing sustainable practices.
Among Kenya’s nature-based solutions to the climate change crisis is the 10-year National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy which seeks to raise the country’s tree cover to 30% by the year 2032 both as a climate action and livelihoods initiative.
The Ministry affirmed that Kenya remains at the forefront of Africa’s climate action having hosted the continent’s first ever Africa Climate Summit in September last year.
UNGA is one of the most significant global forums, bringing together world leaders to address critical international issues, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development, global governance and climate action.
Also Read: Duale Issues First Export Ban as Environment CS
Ruto UNGA Schedule
At the event, President Ruto will advocate comprehensive and accelerated reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, to ensure they remain relevant to current urgent challenges.
At the ‘Summit of the Future’ forum organized by the UN, Ruto will call for a thorough review of the multilateral system, highlighting its inability to effectively address interrelated crises such as climate change, the debt burden, complex conflicts and the erosion of democratic governance.
His advocacy will focus on ensuring that the proposed ‘Pact for the Future’ promotes a democratic, transparent, equitable and responsive global order that addresses the specific needs of Kenya, Africa and other developing nations.
In addition, President Ruto will take part in high-level discussions on bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusion in the digital economy and ensuring that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data governance are managed in an equitable manner.
Also Read: Ruto to Jet Out for Another International Assignment
Bilateral Engagements
The President will also hold a series of meetings with world leaders and international organizations to strengthen Kenya’s partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment and diplomacy.
The discussions will focus on enhancing Kenya’s trade relations, advancing the country’s leadership in climate action and fostering strategic partnerships in renewable energy and digital innovation, among others.
He will also meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss Kenya’s role as host of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the ongoing capital project at the UN Office in Nairobi and the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti where Kenya has taken a leadership role in promoting peace and security.
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