Ruto Tells UNEA-7 That the World Cannot Turn Back From Green Transition
The president reminded the global community that restoration is possible when nations commit fully and work together.
President William Samoei Rutto.Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto said the transition to a green and sustainable future is unstoppable and called for increased real action from countries in tackling climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss as interconnected global problems.
Addressing delegates at the opening of the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Gigiri, Nairobi, the president said Africa stands at a defining moment, with the green transition offering both urgent necessity and enormous opportunity.
Ruto underscored that climate change is not viewed from an African perspective as some conversation miles away in distance but a reality, pointing out that millions of African households already suffer because of extreme weather. He referred to the drought emergency declared across more than 20 counties in Kenya, where over two million people now face severe hunger and acute water shortages after failed rains and prolonged climate stress.
He further warned that the “price for inaction is soaring,” citing global statistics that show that property losses from natural hazards climb to an estimated USD 150 billion annually. For Africa, he said, such losses come on top of the heavy burden of public debt, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to global decision-making spaces.
Addressing technological progress, President Ruto said, “Innovations like artificial intelligence, digital systems, and clean electrification are fundamentally transforming production, work, and trade.” Nevertheless, he expressed the need for caution: if such technological progress does not go hand in hand with the protection of the environment, fairness, and respect for human dignity, then “we risk creating the same patterns of exploitation and pollution over and over again.”
He outlined Africa’s ambition to create a modern economy that is green and digitally driven, underpinned by renewable energy, sound climate policies, and inclusive innovation. The president said that investments in infrastructure, technology, and industry must advance resilience while restoring nature and expanding the economic opportunity of communities.
“Every decision we make on development matters must ensure that the environment is protected as we create jobs and secure livelihoods,” Ruto told the assembly.
He emphasized that it is urgent to deal with the issue of biodiversity loss; this will not be a distant, theoretical problem. The president reminded the global community that restoration is possible when nations commit fully and work together. His remarks set the agenda for a week of high-level discussions at UNEA-7, where member states are expected to negotiate resolutions aimed at accelerating the global response to environmental challenges.
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