New york: President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead a South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York from 23 to 29 September 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the session will be held under the theme: ‘Better together: 80 Years and more for peace, development and human rights’, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter. President Ramaphosa aims to use this platform to advance a progressive agenda for a more just, peaceful, and equitable world order.
President Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the General Debate on Tuesday, advocating for robust multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the protection of human rights for all. He will convey a message from the Global South, supported by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20. The delegation will engage in discussions on international issues, including the genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa intends to use its reputation as a mediator to foster dialogue.
A key focus of South Africa’s agenda is the reform of the United Nations Security Council to enhance its representativeness, democracy, and effectiveness. The delegation will emphasize the UN Charter’s core pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Building on its G20 mandate, South Africa will advocate for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy, highlighting the impact of global challenges on developing nations and urging enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
On the margins of the General Debate, President Ramaphosa and the delegation will participate in several meetings, 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 key US decision-makers. The President will be accompanied by several ministers, including Ronald Lamola, Parks Tau, Sindisiwe Chukunga, Dion George, Maropene Ramokgopa, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and Mondli Gungubele.