Reflections from UNGA81 A week ago, the curtains came down on the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I have been reflecting on my week in New York and three things, in particular, stayed with me. 1. A more confident Africa I first went to New York in 2011 and have returned almost every year since- except the COVID-19 years, attending UNGA, CSW and other meetings. This time, something felt different. From the statements of African Heads of State in the General Assembly Hall to conversations at the Accra Reset and Unstoppable Africa, I heard a language that was bold, confident and unapologetic. Even walking the streets of New York, I sensed it among African delegations: heads held high, backs upright and a spring in the step. Whatever the reasons, Africa’s confidence was unmistakable. And why not? Africa is not just the future. Africa is increasingly shaping the present. 2. The power of the Kenyan brand 🇰🇪 I usually wear a Kenyan-flag-themed wristband. In New York, it became an unexpected conversation starter. Several non-Kenyans stopped me to share their experiences of Kenya. Many spoke about our wildlife and beaches. But what touched me most were the stories about the warmth, generosity and friendliness of Kenyans. That, to me, is the heart of the Kenyan brand. Beyond our landscapes. Beyond our wildlife. It is our people. Thank you, fellow Kenyans, for making Kenya visible- and making me feel seen- even thousands of miles from home. You are great ambassadors of our country. 3. An hour of change With the end of the current UN Secretary-General’s term approaching, there was naturally much discussion about leadership and transition. But the bigger conversation was about change itself. After 81 years of the United Nations, there were calls to rethink old approaches: to explore new investment models such as joint ventures; to see Africa as ready for trade, rather than aid; and to engage Africa as a partner with ideas, resources and agency. Most strikingly, the tone had changed. Less lamentation. More proposition. Less asking what the world can do for Africa. More showing what Africa brings to the table. That may be the most important reflection I carried home from New York. The world is changing. Africa is changing with it. And increasingly, Africa is not waiting to be shaped by that change. It is determined to help shape it. #UNGA81 #Africa #Kenya #Diplomacy #Partnership