President William Ruto is in New York as world leaders gather for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with investment, artificial intelligence and a greater role for Africa in global affairs among the issues on his agenda.

 

Ruto arrived on Sunday and met Kenyans living in the United States, where he also witnessed the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent between the government, the United Nations in Kenya and Equity Group Holdings. The Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform was unveiled at the meeting.

 

The platform is intended to connect Kenyans abroad with investment opportunities, community projects, financing for small businesses and skills and knowledge transfer.

 

The president said his engagements at the General Assembly would focus on attracting African and global capital and expanding trade and investment in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology.

 

“Our focus is clear as we expand trade and investment and drive growth in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology,” Ruto said.

 

Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature in his engagements. Ruto and Finnish President Alexander Stubb are expected to co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative, which aims to strengthen cooperation among countries developing AI capabilities.

 

Ruto is due to take part in investment discussions involving the Africa Finance Corporation and the Global Africa Business Initiative, alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote.

 

He is also due to attend the Partners for Multilateralism Summit on Monday, where he is scheduled to join European Council President António Costa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a media stakeout following the meeting.

 

The high-level week is already under way in New York, with the SDG Media Zone and other meetings and side events taking place ahead of the General Debate, which begins on Tuesday. The debate will run from September 22 to 26 and resume on September 28.

 

The General Debate begins on Tuesday, when heads of state and government will set out their priorities under this year’s theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all”.