President Ruto Calls for Radical Reform of Global Governance to Reflect 21st Century Realities
President William Ruto has issued a powerful call for the transformation of the global governance architecture, arguing that the existing world order—established in the aftermath of World War II—has become obsolete and increasingly detrimental to the Global South.
Delivering a public lecture at Peking University in Beijing, President Ruto criticized the current international system, which he said continues to concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, while systematically sidelining developing nations.
“The ongoing trade tariff wars may well be a harbinger of the collapse of the outdated global order that has prevailed since 1945,” he remarked, referencing rising economic tensions between major powers that have disrupted global trade and eroded multilateral cooperation.
Ruto argued that the post-war financial and security institutions, originally designed to promote stability, have instead perpetuated inequality and entrenched the dominance of wealthy nations.
“The architecture born from that conflict disproportionately benefits the Global North, leaving the Global South excluded and underrepresented,” he said.
Highlighting the urgent need for reform, President Ruto called for a complete reimagination of global institutions to reflect today’s geopolitical landscape and the aspirations of developing nations.
“In my address at Peking University, I emphasized the imperative to forge a new world order that recognizes current realities and empowers all nations equitably,” he said.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to stronger South-South cooperation and praised China as a vital partner in pursuing inclusive global reforms.
“We must continue working together—Kenya and China—as advocates for the Global South in international forums, especially in pushing for reforms to make global institutions more representative, inclusive, and effective,” Ruto stated.
His remarks come at a time when there is growing pressure from African, Asian, and Latin American countries for meaningful changes at institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. These reforms, advocates say, are essential for ensuring equitable decision-making and fairer representation of the developing world.
