Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made history by chairing a session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), shortly after its official opening by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
Kenya, currently serving as Vice Chair of the UN General Assembly, was entrusted with the responsibility of helping steer deliberations during this high-level segment of the 80th session.
“Standing at the helm of the United Nations General Assembly after its official opening by US President Donald J. Trump, I had the distinct duty of chairing the session on behalf of Kenya,” Mudavadi said in a statement posted on X.
He described the opportunity as more than ceremonial,
calling it a "historic milestone" that reflects Kenya's growing
influence and respected voice in global diplomacy.
“This moment was more than a duty, it was a symbol of our nation’s credibility and trust in global leadership, as we continue to champion peace, justice, and cooperation among nations,” he added.
During the session, several world leaders addressed pressing international issues.
Speakers included President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and President Karol Nawroki of Poland.
Mudavadi said the contributions made by the leaders underscored the urgent need to address a wide array of global challenges, including the Israel-Palestine conflict, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and drug trafficking across the Americas.
Nawroki highlighted Poland’s humanitarian efforts, particularly its role in hosting one million Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war.
Petro focused on the complex nature of the war on drugs in Latin America, calling for new approaches that consider both social and geopolitical dimensions.
“As Vice Chair, my role was to help steer the Assembly’s work and, when required, to act on behalf of the Chair in directing discussions,” Mudavadi explained.
Earlier, President Donald Trump, in his first address to the UN in his second term, delivered a 55-minute speech in which he called on world leaders to embrace nationalism within their own countries.
Trump emphasised the importance of sovereignty and self-determination, reiterating his administration's “America First” approach while encouraging other nations to similarly prioritize their national interests.
