President William Ruto on Monday asked world leaders to mobilise resources towards addressing impediments to Sustainable Development Goals.
The Head of State made the remarks when he co-chaired the United Nations General Assembly Sustainable Development Goals dialogue on Applying Science and Technology Innovation and data for transformative action alongside Slovenia President Nataša Pirc Musar.
In his speech, Ruto argued that aligning global capital with sustainable development goals was crucial for climate-positive growth.
At the meeting attended by billionaires Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, the President noted that Africa had lagged behind in implementing SDG due to hindrances such as debt, inflation, climate shocks and conflicts.
“By enhancing Africa’s access to financing from global development capital, we will unlock the continent’s vast potential; its natural resources, arable land and vibrant human capital,” he stated.
Before then, the Head of State also held a breakfast meeting at the United Arab Emirates UAE Mission to the United Nations led by COP28 President and United Arab Emirates Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.
In the meeting, President Ruto called for reforms in the global financial architecture, especially debt restructuring and enhancement of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
This he explained will empower nations in the global south to meaningfully participate in both climate action and development.
“By eradicating unjust discrimination, we will foster shared prosperity and pave the way for the achievement of our climate action objectives and a sustainable future,” he added.
Other leaders who attended the event are President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Razan Al Mubarak attended, CEO of Crescent Enterprises Badr Jafar, CEO of BlackRock Larry Fink, Zimbabwean businessman Strive Masiyiwa and Dr Mo Ibrahim.
Ruto has been steadfast in championing for climate action and held an inaugural African Climate Summit which raised trillions of shillings for the continent’s climate action.
Gates is the billionaire founder of Microsoft Company while Bloomberg is the former Mayor of New York and owner of Bloomberg L.P., a financial information, software and media firm.
