Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York to lead South Africa’s delegation during the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The segment, held throughout this week, coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and is held under the theme: ‘Better together: 80 Years and more for peace, development and human rights’.
The President is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.
“The President will today participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud. The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilise support for its implementation. In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20,” a statement by the Presidency on Monday read. According to the statement, the segments provide an opportunity for President Ramaphosa to engage on issues including the genocide in Gaza, the conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine and “other geopolitical tensions.”
“South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord,” the Presidency said. On Wednesday, the President will take part in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
“The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.) Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency added. The President will also convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights in his capacity as Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.
“The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH). The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments,” the statement read. Furthermore, President Ramaphosa will participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action.
“The event will be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil. This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities,” the Presidency said. To boost South Africa’s economic growth drive, the President will engage the private sector.
“In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the (dtic) in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive. The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment,” the Presidency statement read.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa will lead the High-Level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. “G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace. President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week,” the statement concluded.
