This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
President Kenyatta Calls for Enhanced Multilateral Cooperation ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for enhanced multilateral cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, financial crises, and global security. He made the remarks during the 15th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD15) in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Speaking at the World Leaders Summit, President Kenyatta noted that while the COVAX arrangement guarantees fair and equitable access to vaccines for every country, over 80 percent of the more than 6 billion doses administered to date have been in developed countries. He emphasized that true multilateralism should fully embrace the principles of inclusivity and equality applied on the basis of the uniqueness of every nation.
“We, therefore, need more multilateral cooperation that includes everyone because none of us is safe until all of us are safe. But as the Covid vaccine distribution experience has demonstrated, simply saying everyone is included is insufficient to guarantee inclusivity,” the President said.
President Kenyatta underscored the need for more cooperation at the regional level, saying when people sharing common challenges and similar aspirations come together, the impact is greater. He noted that regional cooperation frameworks can help create economies of scale for smaller nations on issues such as trade and investment, and amplify their voice at the global level.
“Region-specific issues such as the impact of climate change on small island states are more effectively addressed through regional cooperation frameworks. Such cooperation helps to create economies of scale for smaller nations on issues such as trade and investment, and amplifies their voice at the global level,” President Kenyatta said.
He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between governments, the private sector, and other non-state actors as well as communities in addressing emerging global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic. President Kenyatta noted that his administration’s efforts to contain the Covid pandemic would not have been half as successful without the support of faith-based and community organisations which worked hand in hand with the government to educate communities about the virus and track and trace infections.
Earlier, President Kenyatta officially handed over the mantle of hosting the 15th session of UNCTAD to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados. “It is my privilege today to pass the mantle of hosting UNCTAD 15 to Barbados, through Your Excellency the Prime Minister. I do so, well aware that UNCTAD15 is taking place in extraordinary circumstances which have compelled us to hold most of the meetings virtually,” President Kenyatta said.
