Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has inaugurated the second UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, emphasizing his government’s commitment to improving the lives of Kenyan people. The assembly aims to address the challenges faced by the poor and residents of informal settlements by providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
With Kenya being home to one of the world’s largest slums, President Ruto highlights inequality as the primary obstacle to transformation. He recognizes urban centers as the epicenter of stark disparities in opportunities and outcomes, urging the global community to contemplate the progress made in envisioning sustainable provisions for the well-being of the growing global population.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, addresses the assembly, stressing that developing nations still have an opportunity to reverse the growing inequalities prevalent in cities worldwide. Guterres identifies the current state of the world as a crisis, marked by the escalating levels of inequality and poverty.
During his speech, Guterres underscores the importance for UN member states to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals. He highlights the rising inequality and global temperatures that strain the economies of developing countries. Over 600 million people continue to live in poverty, while more than 1 billion people reside in slums. Despite these challenges, Guterres maintains that there is still time to reverse these alarming trends, but it necessitates a collective effort to fight for a better future.
Overall, the opening of the UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi serves as a platform to address the pressing issues of inequality, poverty, and housing in Kenya and the world. It emphasizes the need for sustainable development and concerted global action to create a future that prioritizes the well-being and opportunities for all individuals, particularly those in marginalized communities.