President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York in the United States to lead a South African delegation during High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).
The High-Level Segment will take place from Tuesday, 23 September to Monday, 29 September under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.
On Monday, 22 September, Ramaphosa is expected to participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by 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 mobilize support for its implementation, the South African Presidency said.
“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, 23 September 2025. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.
“These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, 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,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
BIENNIAL SUMMIT
On Wednesday 24 September, President Ramaphosa will also participate 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,” Magwenya added.
