President William Ruto has called on the international community to mobilize and direct resources towards addressing impediments to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) saying aligning global capital with sustainable development goals was crucial for climate-positive growth.
Ruto 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.
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He noted that many countries, especially in Africa, have been unable to implement 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 said.
The dialogue focused on how science, technology and innovation can help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which consists of 17 goals and 169 targets to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
Slovenia President, Pirc Musar praised Kenya’s leadership in promoting green and inclusive development in Africa and beyond.
She said Slovenia was keen to partner with Kenya in areas such as health, education, agriculture and environment.
“We share the vision of a world where no one is left behind, where everyone has access to quality health care, education, food security and clean energy,” she said.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support multilateral initiatives to advance the SDGs.
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Earlier, President Ruto attended the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where he called for reforms in the global financial architecture, especially debt restructuring and enhancement of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
He also participated in an agricultural forum co-hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he urged Africa to explore ways of expanding agricultural productivity to eradicate hunger and poverty in the continent.
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 said.
The President also held a series of bilateral talks with Presidents and heads of government from Albania, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Kosovo and Gambia to strengthen Kenya’s bilateral relations.
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