[2025-07-08] President Ruto awards Ban Ki moon the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart
NAIROBI – President William Ruto has awarded former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Kenya’s highest national honor the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) in recognition of his enduring contributions to global peace, environmental action, and human rights.
The award ceremony took place at State House Nairobi on Tuesday. Ruto praised Ban’s legacy as a world leader who shaped global responses to urgent crises and inspired international cooperation.
“In his more than 50 years of public service, Ban Ki-moon’s dedication to humanity and the planet stands unmatced,” Ruto said. “Your leadership placed climate change at the center of global discussions. Africa-and especially Kenya continues to benefit from the foundations you helped build.”
Ban, who served as the eighth UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016, led global efforts to confront climate change, promote peace, and strengthen multilateral institutions. Ruto singled out Ban’s leadership during the 2007 Climate Change Summit as a turning point that helped rally nations behind climate resilience and sustainability.
“Your diplomacy gave voice to those most vulnerable to the climate crisis,” Ruto said. “You helped mobilize action that continues to shape policy and investment decisions across continents.”
The President also credited Ban for strengthening the UN’s ability to manage global emergencies, including responses to financial turmoil, pandemics, and resource scarcity. He acknowledged Ban’s push for more funding during the 2008 global recession, which helped stabilize communities at risk.
“Millions were shielded from severe economic shocks because of your interventions”, Ruto noted.
Ruto further applauded Ban’s commitment to gender equality and justice. Under Ban’s tenure, the United Nations established UN Women and launched major campaigns to protect women from violence and discrimination.
“True development must be inclusive and just,” Ruto said. “Your legacy on women’s rights will outlive generations.”
Later in the day, Ban was scheduled to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Global Centre on Adaption’s new African headquarters in Nairobi. President Ruto described the event as a testament to Ban’s long-standing climate advocy and Kenya’s determination to lead in adaptation policy.
“The center is a symbol of shared strength. It reflects your lifelong mission to build a safer, more resilient world,” Ruto said.
Ban Ki-moon joins a short list of international figures to receive the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart an award reserved for individuals whose global service has left a lasting mark on Kenya and the world.
Source: Switch Media
Link: https://news.switchtv.ke/2025/07/president-ruto-awards-ban-ki-moon-the-chief-of-the-order-of-the-golden-heart/
