In a visionary and thought-provoking speech delivered at China’s prestigious Peking University, President William Ruto issued a bold call for global transformation.
President Ruto didn’t deliver just another diplomatic address. Instead, the President offered a deeply thoughtful and timely reflection on the state of the world—and a bold vision for how to fix it.
“We gather at a time of profound and accelerated global change. From regional conflicts, economic shocks and climate disruption, to cyber insecurity and demographic shifts. The challenges we face today are complex, interconnected, and urgent. But within these challenges are opportunities; opportunities for renewed partnership, bold thinking, and a reimagined global architecture,” said President Ruto.The President noted that the global architecture we rely on was built for a different world where many of today’s nations didn’t yet exist.
For instance, in institutions including the United Nations (UN) Security Council, the IMF and World Bank.
He pointed out that the UN Security Council, which was once a symbol of peace, is now hobbled by vetoes and outdated power dynamics.
“The Security Council, once a beacon for peace and diplomacy, now has one permanent member invading one country, while another member takes sides in conflict in contradiction to the Council’s own resolutions,” President Ruto noted.Meanwhile, the President explained, the permanent members of UN Security Council live in denial and resist reform, even as the Security Council becomes less legitimate and its relevance being put to question.
President Ruto did not just criticize—he explained.
He pointed out how the IMF’s emergency funds—meant to help vulnerable economies—mostly ended up in the hands of rich nations.
“The poorest countries, which needed it most, received only 2.4%,” Dr. Ruto said.The President said, “Both the World Bank and the IMF have evolved into development finance institutions, but the ownership and power remain with the wealthy countries that they no longer serve. The interests of the shareholders and stakeholders and beneficiaries are at great variance.”He emphasized that, “64 per cent of the allocation ended up with wealthy countries that did not need liquidity support. The poorest countries, which needed it most, received only 2.4%.”
However, President Ruto also presented Africa not as a victim, but as the world’s next engine of growth.
“Demography is destiny,” President Ruto highlighted.“By 2050, Africa will account for a quarter of the world’s workforce, the same proportion as China today. If the first half of this Century belongs to China, the second half will belong to Africa,” said President Ruto.He also pointed out that, despite contributing the least to global emissions, Africa bears the heaviest cost.
President Ruto advocated for global carbon tax—one that holds major polluters accountable and supports those most affected.
The President’s main emphasis included reform in the Security Council to reflect today’s geopolitical map, financial institutions that serve people, not shareholders and investment in Africa, where the future workforce lives.
The President’s proposals were reasonable, clear and convective.
