Ruto Lands in Addis for Key UN Food Summit, Eyes Stronger Food Systems and Regional Ties

 

By Gidion Ngeno

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – President William Ruto touched down in Addis Ababa on Sunday evening to attend the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), a crucial global gathering aimed at reshaping how the world produces, distributes, and consumes food.

His arrival in the Ethiopian capital was met with a warm welcome from Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, setting the tone for a summit steeped in both urgency and hope.

President Ruto joins heads of state, development partners, and private sector leaders at a time when the world faces a complex web of challenges—climate change, hunger, and inflationary shocks that are disrupting food systems and pushing vulnerable communities closer to the brink.

Ruto, who has made agricultural reform and climate resilience a pillar of his administration, is expected to deliver Kenya’s national statement during the summit, reaffirming the country’s pledge to build sustainable food systems that not only feed its people but also uplift its economy.

“This summit is more than a meeting—it’s a call to action. Kenya is ready to lead by example,” said State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed ahead of the President’s address.

Ruto’s message is anticipated to center on innovation in agriculture, empowering smallholder farmers, and deploying climate-smart technologies to safeguard food production in a warming world.

Beyond the summit’s plenary sessions, President Ruto will dive into several high-level thematic engagements alongside fellow world leaders. From food security to infrastructure investment and climate action, the topics mirror the intertwined nature of today’s global crises—and the need for equally interconnected solutions.

On the sidelines, Ruto will engage in bilateral talks with key leaders including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. These discussions are expected to deepen regional cooperation and explore strategic partnerships in trade, infrastructure, and diplomacy.

For Kenya, the Addis summit represents more than an international obligation. It is a chance to tell its story—to share lessons from local innovations, public-private partnerships, and grassroots efforts that are making a difference on farms and in homes.

“President Ruto believes food security isn’t just about producing enough—it’s about equity, access, and sustainability. This summit is a platform to champion that vision,” Hussein added.

As world leaders gather in Addis Ababa, the weight of their conversations carries global significance. But for millions of farmers and families back in Kenya and across Africa, the outcomes will be felt most tangibly in harvests, marketplaces, and kitchens.

In a world hungry for solutions, the hope is that Addis will be more than a stopover—it will be a turning point.