President Ramaphosa departs for UN general assembly in New York

His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has departed for New York, United States of America, where he will lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The annual High-Level Week, scheduled from September 23 to 29, 2025, is taking place under the theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” This year’s session marks the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

President Ramaphosa will deliver his address during the General Debate on Tuesday, September 23, championing multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution, and the protection of human rights. 

“He will carry a clear message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20,” the presidency said.

The South African delegation will engage with international leaders on pressing global issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the war in Ukraine. South Africa intends to leverage its reputation as a trusted mediator to foster dialogue over discord.

A key focus of the visit will be advocating for reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it “more representative, democratic, and effective,” while advancing the three core pillars of the UN Charter: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

The presidency added that South Africa will also highlight “the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

During the week, President Ramaphosa and his delegation will participate in several high-level engagements, including the inaugural Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, a High-Level meeting on the two-state solution in Israel/Palestine, and trade and investment discussions with leading US decision-makers.

The delegation accompanying President Ramaphosa includes Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chukunga, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr. Dion George, Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele.

IOL News