Kenya and Finland have reaffirmed their strong cooperation across key sectors including peace mediation, education, climate action, and trade, as global leaders convened to discuss evolving power dynamics.
Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, represented President William Samoei Ruto at the 13th Kultaranta Talks, held on June 16–17, 2025, in Naantali, Finland. Hosted by President Alexander Stubb, this year’s discussions centered on “The Changing World Order – Old Meets New.”
During a high-level panel titled “Accumulation of Shocks at the Global Level – What the West Should Understand,” moderated by Fareed Zakaria, Dr. Mudavadi addressed the increasing fragmentation of the global system. He noted the weakening of multilateral diplomacy amidst rising nationalism and unilateralism, emphasizing that regional disruptions, particularly in Africa, now have undeniable global implications.
Dr. Mudavadi underscored Africa’s complex duality: persistent conflict affecting nearly 500 million people, alongside the continent’s growing agency. He advocated for Africa’s full representation in global institutions, especially the UN Security Council, where it remains the only region without a permanent seat. Citing Africa’s young and growing population, he asserted, “Make space—the future is African.”
On the sidelines of the Talks, Dr. Mudavadi met with Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen to review bilateral progress, building on President Stubb’s State Visit to Kenya in May 2025. The two nations reaffirmed their cooperation in peace mediation, education, climate action, and trade. Kenya acknowledged Finland’s developmental support, particularly through Finnfund, in areas such as health, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
Dr. Mudavadi called for deeper collaboration in conflict resolution, including support for Kenya’s initiative to develop a treaty on international mediation. Kenya also sought Finland’s endorsement of Nairobi as the host for the Global Plastics Treaty Secretariat, aiming to strengthen global environmental governance.
As global uncertainties mount, the Kenya-Finland partnership exemplifies the value of principled diplomacy and inclusive dialogue. Kenya’s prominent voice at Kultaranta signaled Africa’s increasing influence in shaping a more just, peaceful, and cooperative global order.
ABJ/APA