NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has conferred former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with Kenya’s highest national honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), in recognition of his lifelong service to humanity and global leadership.
During a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto lauded Ban for his outstanding contributions to global peace, climate diplomacy, and sustainable development, describing him as a “bridge-builder” and “champion of the world’s most vulnerable.”
“As the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, you distinguished yourself through unwavering dedication to building a peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” Ruto said.
Global Legacy Celebrated
Ruto praised Ban Ki-moon’s pivotal role in placing climate change at the heart of the international agenda, starting with the 2007 UN Climate Change Summit.
He also credited him with rallying unprecedented international cooperation that helped shape long-term responses to global crises—including food insecurity, energy shortages, pandemics, and economic instability.
“Your steadfast commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) delivered tangible progress, particularly for Africa,” Ruto added.
He also noted Ban’s leadership in the establishment of UN Women and his push to end violence against women, calling them testaments to his vision for inclusive, equitable development.
“Kenya is proud to honour you for your lifetime of service to humanity,” Ruto said. “May this award serve as our profound appreciation of your vision, dedication, and the lasting impact of your work.”
Ban Ki-moon: “A Deep Personal Connection to Kenya”
In his acceptance speech, Ban Ki-moon expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, calling it “a truly humbling moment.”
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honour. I feel such a strong kinship with Kenya and its people,” he said.
He shared a personal connection to the country, revealing that his daughter met her husband in Kenya and that his grandson spent part of his early childhood here.
Ban also noted that he visited Kenya more than any other African country during his two terms as UN Secretary-General (2007–2016).
“Kenya has meant so much to me, both professionally and personally,” he added.
Who Is Ban Ki-moon?
Ban Ki-moon served as UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016, becoming a leading voice on issues like climate change, global health, peacekeeping, and the rights of vulnerable populations.
He is credited with strengthening the role of the UN in crisis response, laying the groundwork for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and forging consensus on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
