President Cyril Ramaphosa leads South African delegation at UNGA80 in New York

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York City to spearhead a South African delegation during the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

This pivotal gathering, which unfolds from September 23 to 29, is themed “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

On Monday, Ramaphosa is set to engage in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Royal Highness Faisal bin Al Saud.

This critical meeting aims to reaffirm international dedication to the two-state solution while rallying support for its actual implementation, a focal point of current geopolitical discourse.

As a proponent of robust multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution, and unyielding human rights advocacy, President Ramaphosa will address the General Debate on Tuesday.

Here, he seeks to project the concerns of the Global South, amplifying South Africa's role as the Chair of the G20. He will navigate urgent international crises, such as the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the war in Ukraine, leveraging South Africa’s reputation as a trusted mediator to foster dialogue and reconciliation.

On Wednesday, the President will participate in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, chaired by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This forum will allow global leaders to assess their progress and devise actionable strategies to mobilise resources and strengthen economic governance in support of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). South Africa aims to spotlight the disproportionate burden current global challenges impose on developing nations and advocate for enhanced international cooperation towards achieving these goals.

In his capacity as Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting focused on recommitting to the health and rights of these groups. Co-chaired alongside Botswana's President Boko Duma and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, this meeting presents a critical opportunity to elevate discussions about health as a cornerstone of peace, security, and sustainable development.

Moreover, the President is slated to take part in a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, co-hosted by Secretary-General Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This event aims to unite leaders from government, business, and civil society to catalyse action on urgent climate points in line with the Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

On the margins of UNGA80, President Ramaphosa plans to strengthen South Africa's role as a strategic economic partner, engaging with private sector representatives during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue, facilitated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with the US Chamber of Commerce. With the US ranking among South Africa's top five export partners and a significant source of foreign direct investment, these discussions are expected to yield fruitful collaborations.

On Thursday, President Ramaphosa will lead the high-level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, emphasizing the G20’s indispensable role in fostering economically prosperous conditions that underpin lasting global peace.

Accompanying the President is a delegation of competent leaders including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, each poised to contribute significantly to the discussions at UNGA80.

IOL