Musalia Mudavadi has said Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for diplomacy and climate action following the launch of major expansion projects at the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
Mudavadi made the remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UN Conference Facilities Project and the commissioning of completed phases of the Gigiri Master Plan as the Africa Forward Summit officially began.
The event was attended by William Ruto and António Guterres.
“Nairobi today reinforced its place at the heart of global diplomacy and climate action during a landmark moment at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON),” said Mudavadi.
“Joined H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, for the groundbreaking of the new UN Conference Facilities Project and the commissioning of completed phases of the Gigiri Master Plan, as the Africa Forward Summit officially commenced,” he added.
Mudavadi said the milestone further cements Kenya’s growing influence in multilateral diplomacy, climate action, and international cooperation.
“This milestone reinforces Kenya’s growing role as a global centre for multilateral diplomacy, climate action and international cooperation. Since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kenya has continued to strengthen Nairobi’s standing as home to UNEP, UN-HABITAT and more than 70 UN agencies, funds and programmes,” he said.
Kenya hosts key UN agencies including United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Human Settlements Programme, making Nairobi the only UN headquarters city in the Global South.
Mudavadi noted that the expansion and modernization of the UN complex demonstrates a shared commitment toward strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing global challenges.
“The expansion and modernisation of UNON reflects a shared commitment to building a more effective and responsive United Nations system in advancing peace, sustainable development and climate resilience,” he added.