President Ruto Honored with 2024 Green Industrialisation Statesman Award at UNGA 79

NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Presidential Green Industrialisation Investment Statesman of the Year Award.

The award was presented during an extraordinary session of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), which President Ruto chaired on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The session underscored the urgent need for fair and effective climate financing, aligning with Africa’s priorities and the broader interests of developing nations.

As the chair of CAHOSCC, President Ruto emphasized the importance of a unified African stance at the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

He advocated for a new and equitable climate financing mechanism, stressing that Africa must secure increased global investment in energy transition, moving beyond the current three percent allocation.

“Meaningful investments in Africa’s resources—whether in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green transport, or nature-based solutions—are crucial for achieving low-carbon, climate-resilient development, not just for Africa, but for the entire global community,” President Ruto stated during the meeting.

The President also highlighted the pressing need for Africa to champion debt sustainability and push for reforms in the international financial system, ensuring that climate justice remains central to global discussions.

He pointed out that the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related shocks, combined with high debt servicing costs, are constraining government spending on green resilience efforts.

This accolade marks another recognition for President Ruto in the United States.

Earlier in May, during his state visit, he was awarded the Outstanding Leaders Award by the American Chamber of Commerce.