NEW YORK, U.S.A – Kenya and France are set to co-host a landmark summit on the African continent in Nairobi.
This was announced during a meeting between President William Ruto (Kenya) and Emmanuel Macron (France).
The two leaders held talks on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Together, we announced that Kenya and France will co-host the Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit in Nairobi on 11th and 12th May 2026,” President Ruto said in a statement.
According to President Ruto, the Summit will bring together African and French Heads of State and Government to drive innovation, foster growth, and shape a future built on mutual benefit.
“This initiative is part of the renewal of relations between France and African nations, built on genuine partnership and shared progress,” President Ruto added.
What Presidents Ruto and Macron reaffirmed
The Kenyan leader disclosed that during his meeting with President Macron, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening relations between Kenya and France, and to deepening multilateral cooperation that advances global goals.
Earlier, President Ruto said time had come for the United Nations to reform to reflect the realities of the present day, or risk sliding into irrelevance.
“Its record, from averting global war to advancing human rights and humanitarian relief, is remarkable. Yet these achievements cannot excuse its shortcomings,” said President Ruto.
Why the UN must reimagine its founding promises
Speaking when he delivered Kenya’s National Statement at the General Assembly Debate of the United Nations in New York, the head of state observed that at this crossroads between renewal and decay, the UN must reimagine its founding promise of peace, development, and human rights in a world reshaped by conflict, climate change, inequality, and disruptive technologies.
“The UN cannot claim to be united while Africa, with 54 nations, remains excluded from permanent representation on the Security Council and denied a voice at the top table. To remain legitimate, it must confront today’s challenges with vision and decisive action,” he added.
President Ruto also called for bold reform of the international financial system whose outdated rules punish vulnerable nations with debt and high costs while rewarding the already wealthy.
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