President William Ruto has confirmed that he will travel to France to attend the 2026 G7 Summit, where he is expected to advocate for reforms in global governance and the international financial system.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, June 15, the President noted that he would deliver a keynote address focused on promoting fairer international engagement between nations and strengthening sovereign equality in global affairs.
Ruto indicated that Kenya would use the platform to push for partnerships based on mutual benefit rather than dependence, arguing that developing countries should be treated as equal partners in international relations.
Ruto to attend G7 summit in France, push global financial reforms. Photo: Courtesy.
He emphasized the need for investment-driven cooperation that creates value for both African countries and their international partners.
The President also raised concerns about the structure of current global institutions, particularly the United Nations, saying there is a need for reforms to make international bodies more representative, accountable and responsive to the realities of the modern world.
The G7 Summit, scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 17 in Évian-les-Bains, France, will bring together leaders from the world’s major economies to discuss pressing global issues.
Key agenda items include the conflict involving Iran, the ongoing war in Ukraine and efforts to stabilize global energy markets amid economic uncertainties.
Ruto is among several leaders from non-G7 countries invited to participate in the discussions as part of efforts to broaden global representation in conversations on economic recovery and international cooperation.
Other invited leaders include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The trip comes amid public debate over the frequency of the President’s foreign travel.
However, Ruto has maintained that international engagements are a key part of his role as Kenya’s chief diplomat and are aimed at advancing the country’s economic and strategic interests on the global stage.
