President Ruto Rallies Africa for Climate Action as Kenya Hosts Landmark AMCEN Session
President William Ruto has called for a united African front in the fight against climate change, urging bold leadership, practical solutions, and enhanced climate financing to address what he termed as an “existential threat to humanity and all life on earth.”
The President delivered his remarks during a visit to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), where he inspected ongoing renovations and new office block construction. His visit underscored Kenya’s commitment to supporting UN operations in the Global South.
“This is the only official UN global headquarters in the Global South, it is our facility, and we are proud to host it here in Nairobi,” President Ruto stated. He praised the leadership of UNON Director-General Zainab Bangura and pledged to help mobilize resources for the expansion of the complex into a modern, sustainable hub.
In a surprise appearance at the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s dedication to environmental leadership and solidarity with African and Global South nations.
The session was officially opened by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, who delivered a powerful keynote address highlighting the gravity of the climate crisis. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is an economic crisis, a health emergency, and a humanitarian disaster,” he said. “But Africa has the solutions and the voice to lead.”
Dr. Mudavadi stressed the urgency of unified African representation at upcoming global summits, including COP30, and called for enhanced support for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquartered in Nairobi. He also pointed to Kenya’s progress in environmental governance, including achieving over 90% renewable energy use and implementing robust environmental laws.
Echoing the call for decisive action, Dr. Deborah Barasa, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, cited recent extreme weather events—droughts, cyclones, and floods as stark reminders of the continent’s vulnerability.
“Africa is not waiting to be rescued we are rising to lead,” she declared. “Let AMCEN’s 40th anniversary be remembered not just as a milestone, but as a turning point.”
The 20th AMCEN session, attended by 35 environment ministers and representatives from 53 countries, aims to reinforce Africa’s collective response to environmental challenges and define a clear roadmap for climate resilience. It also spotlighted Nairobi’s pivotal role as a global center for environmental diplomacy.
Also in attendance were UNON Director-General Zainab Bangura, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ababu Namwamba, and the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing'Oei.
The landmark conference reaffirmed Africa’s resolve to lead the charge in climate action championing sustainability, resilience, and innovation for the continent and beyond.