President William Ruto called on the United Nations to move beyond boardroom discussions and take decisive action to tackle the effects of climate change on a global scale. He expressed pride in Kenya’s successful hosting of the first African Climate Summit and highlighted the country’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees as a practical measure to combat climate change.
During his opening speech at the UN General Assembly’s Summit of the Future in New York on Sunday night, President Ruto softened his earlier criticisms of wealthy nations for failing to adequately address the debt crisis, inequality, and climate change. He emphasized that the UN has not done enough to address ongoing global challenges.
“The earth is getting hotter, the climate is worsening, sea levels are rising, and deserts are expanding. The world is increasingly divided, with millions of people impoverished, displaced, and lacking access to basic services,” said President Ruto.