Friday, September 20, 2013

President Kenyatta set to join world leaders at UN meet in New York

The United Nations General Assembly session October 18, 2012 during the vote for five countries to become non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the years 2013-2014 at UN headquarters in New York. Some 131 Heads of States and governments are expected to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York AFP

In Summary

• President Kenyatta is among leaders slated to participate in the world leaders’ conference.

By ISAAC ONGIRIMore by this Author

Some 131 Heads of States and governments are expected to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Kenya’s President Kenyatta is among leaders slated to participate in the world leaders’ conference.

On Friday, it was unclear whether he would travel to the US following the absence of his deputy William Ruto whose trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened on September 10.

"The President is at the moment still listed to attend the UN General Assembly in New York as invited,” said his spokesman Manoah Esipisu.

Mr Manoah said the final decision would be made at the weekend.

US authorities have denied Sudanese leader Omar al Bashir a visa to travel to New York to attend the conference due to a warrant of arrest on his head.

In a statement, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said about 60 Foreign Affairs ministers are also expected to attend the largest world leaders' assembly.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed is in London and she is expected to connect directly to New York ahead of the conference.

"At least 131 Heads of State and Governments will be here next week -- one of the highest turnouts in United Nations history. At least 60 Foreign Ministers will join them. I will meet with as many world leaders as I can. I am determined to pack a lot into these encounters,” the UN boss said.


 

POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Mr Ban said that he will use the forum to call on world leaders to uphold their political and moral responsibilities to serve, to listen, to invest and respond to the rising and justifiable demands of people across the world to lead lives of freedom and prosperity.

At the same time the UN special rapporteur Maina Kiai is listed as one of the main guest in a major UNGA event to be attended by US President Barack Obama.

Mr Kiai's panel will focus on supporting civil society where he is expected to present challenges facing such groups in the world.

President Obama, Enrique Peña Nieto (Mexico) and Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of Mongolia are also members of the panel.

“It is a great honour to be invited to address this distinguished group,” Mr Kiai said.

“It is also a great opportunity – a chance to directly address these leaders on the most pressing issues confronting civil society globally."