Former UN Chief awarded Kenya’s Highest Honour for Global Leadership

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon has been awarded with Kenya’s highest honour, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) at a function held at State House Nairobi.

In his congratulatory message Tuesday, President William Ruto heaped praise on Ban’s more than 50-year public career, recognizing him for his lifelong commitment to global peace, sustainable development and human dignity.

“As the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, you distinguished yourself as a bridge-builder and a champion of the world’s most vulnerable. Your visionary leadership placed climate change at the forefront of the global agenda, beginning with the 2007 Climate Change Summit and through sustained diplomatic efforts that mobilised unprecedented international action. Your legacy continues to inspire us as we confront the harsh realities of a changing climate here in Africa,” President Ruto said.

“Kenya is proud to honour you for your lifetime of service to humanity. May this award serve as our profound appreciation of your vision, dedication, and the lasting impact of your work.”

President Ruto recalled Ban’s pivotal role in elevating climate change to a top international priority, especially through the landmark 2007 Climate Change Summit and the diplomatic momentum that followed. It is those efforts, he says, that laid the groundwork for ongoing international cooperation and continued to resonate in Africa’s current climate response strategies.

In his congratulatory message, the Head of State also highlighted Ban’s transformative tenure at UN, where he strengthened the institution’s ability to respond to pressing crises ranging from food and energy insecurity to global pandemics.

“Your successful appeals for more resources during the global financial crisis helped shield millions from hardship, and your steadfast commitment to the Millennium Development Goals delivered tangible progress, particularly for Africa.”

President Ruto further commended Ban’s lifelong advocacy for gender equality and human rights. He recognized the establishment of UN Women and other initiatives aimed at ending violence against women as powerful legacies of Ban’s conviction that “true development must be inclusive and just.”

Ground breaking for the Global Centre on Adaption’s new Headquarters in Nairobi is scheduled for later Tuesday, a fitting reminder of Ban Ki-Moon’s enduring legacy in climate leadership.

President Ruto has described the centre as “a symbol of shared resilience and Kenya’s continued commitment to building a secure future.”