President William Ruto has called on world leaders to intensify their efforts to end hunger and improve nutrition by embracing bold, transformative measures within global food systems.
Speaking during the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, President Ruto acknowledged that while significant strides have been made in enhancing food availability, safety, and nutrition, millions around the world especially in developing nations still face the harsh reality of hunger and malnutrition.
“Starvation, malnutrition, and under-nutrition remain a harsh daily reality for far too many,” President Ruto said, urging for a renewed global commitment to ending food insecurity.
The President highlighted that the global food system now contributes between 10% and 12% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product, translating to an estimated $8–$10 trillion annually.
However, he noted that the benefits of this economic power are unevenly distributed, with developing nations seeing minimal impact.
Alongside addressing undernutrition, President Ruto also raised concerns over growing rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses, which he described as a rising public health threat that undermines socio-economic development.
The summit, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy, attracted key global figures, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed, and African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
In his national address, President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to transforming its food systems to support sustainable growth.
He emphasized the need for financial inclusion, particularly through tailored financial products that empower smallholder farmers, agri-preneurs, and start-ups.
“We must promote innovative digital financial solutions like M-PESA in developing countries,” he said, highlighting Kenya’s experience as a global leader in mobile money.
President Ruto also called for stronger collaboration between public and private financial sectors to mobilize investment and scale solutions capable of transforming food production and distribution.
Furthermore, he urged nations to embed food system strategies into their broader national development policies, and to prioritize investment in science, technology, and innovation.
“We must support academic and research institutions with the infrastructure they require while significantly scaling up investment in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture,” he said.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Ruto held bilateral meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to discuss areas of mutual interest, including regional food security and economic cooperation.
The UN Food Systems Summit, first launched in 2021, is a key platform for tracking global progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly ending hunger by 2030.
This year’s summit marks a critical point for assessing national and international actions and setting the pace for the next phase of global food transformation.
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