Speaking at the Partners for Multilateralism Summit in New York on Monday, Ruto questioned a global system in which Africa remains without permanent representation on the council. The summit was co-hosted by Kenya, Canada and the European Council.

"Africa cannot remain the only continent without permanent representation in the institution entrusted with international peace and security," Ruto said.

"A continent of 54 countries and more than 1.4 billion people cannot remain at the margins of decisions central to global peace and security," he added.

Ruto Calls for Institutions to Change

Ruto argued that international cooperation itself was not the main problem. Instead, he said institutions created decades ago had failed to adapt to changes in the world.

"International law cannot be a shield for some and a restraint for others," he added. "Defending the charter does not mean defending every institutional arrangement created 80 years ago. Principles can be permanent, while institutions should evolve."

Africa’s lack of permanent Security Council representation has remained a major issue in discussions over UN reform. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also described the absence of permanent African seats as “indefensible.”

The African Union has long pushed for at least two permanent seats and two additional non-permanent seats on the council.

‘Countries Should Not Have to Choose Sides’

Ruto also addressed Africa’s relationships with competing global powers, saying countries should be able to cooperate without being forced into political camps.

"Countries should not have to choose sides in order to cooperate. We cannot rebuild trust by speaking only with those we agree with. Dialogue matters most when positions diverge," he added.

He said African countries were seeking partnerships rather than dependency.

The Partners for Multilateralism initiative, known as P4M, brought together leaders to discuss the future of international cooperation. Ruto, European Council President Antonio Costa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney appeared together following the summit.

Signatories backed a multilateral system centred on the UN Charter while calling for international institutions to become more representative, inclusive and effective.