Nairobi:Restoring trust in global institutions requires addressing significant delivery gaps and acknowledging Africa as a co-architect of the multilateral system, stated UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa. Speaking at the Pre-Summit Leadership Breakfast for The Trust Summit in Nairobi, Eziakonwa emphasized the need for genuine international cooperation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Eziakonwa highlighted the ongoing challenges in fulfilling international climate and development commitments and pointed out Africa’s under-representation in global decision-making. She urged African nations to harness their strengths, including youth, resources, markets, and ideas, asserting that Africa is not waiting to be rescued.
The event served as a precursor to the Trust Summit 2026, scheduled for October 21-23, 2026, aiming to gather senior government officials, diplomatic missions, development partners, and co-conveners. During the summit, discussions will focus on reforming global institutions to ensure equitable representation.
Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, noted historical inequities in international governance, stressing the need to reform post-WWII frameworks and Bretton Woods institutions to match current realities and maintain global order.
Trust Summit CEO Awel Uwihanganye highlighted global research indicating low public trust in institutions and the disruptive impact of digital technology, calling for strategies to build networks rather than cause confusion.
The event featured a panel moderated by Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute CEO Julie Gichuru, discussing strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
Charles Kwemoi, speaking for UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Garry Conille, emphasized that trust in multilateralism is built at the grassroots level. He announced that the UN in Kenya would open its performance to public scrutiny, emphasizing that trust will be judged by tangible outcomes in local communities.
The outcomes of the leadership breakfast will influence the upcoming Trust Summit’s deliberations.
