Africa Demands Equal Voice at UN Security Council as Ruto Leads Peace Talks at Africa Forward Summit
By Jeff Kizzilah/ Digital Editor
President has intensified calls for urgent reform of the , saying the current global governance structure no longer reflects modern geopolitical realities and continues to sideline Africa despite the continent’s growing population, economic influence, and role in global peace and security.
Speaking while chairing a high-level roundtable on peace and security on the sidelines of the in , President Ruto said the reform of the UN Security Council is essential to addressing longstanding questions of inclusion, fairness, and the credibility of the multilateral system.
“It is neither practical nor just for a continent of more than 1.5 billion people to remain excluded from permanent representation in decisions that directly affect peace, security, conflict, and global stability,” President Ruto stated.
The Head of State argued that the continued exclusion of Africa from permanent membership weakens confidence in international institutions and undermines the principle of equal partnership among nations.
“The time has therefore come for the international community to recognise, without ambiguity and without delay, that Africa cannot, and will not, remain subject to decisions taken without its equal voice at the table,” he added.
The roundtable brought together African leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and global partners to discuss emerging security threats, regional conflicts, terrorism, climate-related instability, and the future of multilateral cooperation.
Kenya has positioned itself as a leading diplomatic and economic hub through the Africa Forward Summit, with the government investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, security, logistics, conference facilities, digital systems, hospitality, and transport coordination to host delegates from across Africa and beyond.
The summit is also expected to unlock major opportunities for Kenya and the region, including foreign direct investment, technology partnerships, youth innovation funding, climate financing, trade agreements, tourism promotion, and expanded diplomatic influence. Kenyan startups, SMEs, creatives, and innovators are among those expected to benefit from networking opportunities and partnerships emerging from the summit discussions.
The Africa Forward Summit has further strengthened Nairobi’s growing reputation as a continental centre for diplomacy, innovation, and international cooperation, as global attention shifts toward Africa’s role in shaping future economic and political systems.
