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

President Cyril Ramaphosa leads South African delegation at UNGA80 in New York, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa diplomacy. The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) convenes from September 23 to 29, 2025, under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The session commemorates the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and provides a platform for South Africa to assert its global leadership and multilateral influence.

Engaging Global Leaders: Two-State Solution Meeting

President Ramaphosa begins his UNGA80 agenda by attending 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 forum aims to reinforce international commitment to the two-state solution and mobilize support for its practical implementation.

As a staunch advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and human rights, President Ramaphosa is positioned to present South Africa’s perspective while encouraging dialogue among major global actors. The engagement underscores South Africa diplomacy as a driver for constructive international outcomes.

Addressing the General Debate

On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa addresses the General Debate at UNGA80, amplifying the concerns of the Global South. His speech will focus on urgent international crises, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the war in Ukraine. By leveraging South Africa’s reputation as a trusted mediator, the President seeks to foster dialogue and reconciliation among conflicting parties.

This platform also allows South Africa to project leadership as Chair of the G20, highlighting the nation’s commitment to multilateralism, peace, and human rights advocacy.

Advancing Sustainable Economic Goals

On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa participates in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, chaired by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The forum enables world leaders to assess progress toward the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while mobilizing resources to strengthen economic governance.

South Africa aims to spotlight the disproportionate burden global crises impose on developing nations. Through this engagement, President Ramaphosa advocates for enhanced international cooperation to accelerate sustainable economic growth and reinforce South Africa’s role in global policy discourse.

Promoting Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health

In his role as Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa convenes a high-level meeting alongside Botswana’s President Boko Duma and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. The session focuses on recommitting to the health and rights of vulnerable populations, emphasizing health as a cornerstone of peace, security, and sustainable development.

By leading this dialogue, South Africa further demonstrates its commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable development, reinforcing its position in global health governance.

Climate Action and Environmental Diplomacy

The President also participates in a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, co-hosted by Secretary-General Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The meeting gathers leaders from government, business, and civil society to catalyze climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

South Africa diplomacy is showcased as the President champions sustainable policies, advocating for actionable strategies that address climate change and support vulnerable nations disproportionately affected by environmental crises.

Strengthening Economic Partnerships

On the margins of UNGA80, President Ramaphosa engages with private sector leaders during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue, organized by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with the US Chamber of Commerce. These discussions emphasize South Africa’s strategic economic partnership with the United States, a key export and investment partner.

The engagement is expected to yield collaborations in trade, investment, and innovation, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a reliable and competitive global economy.

G20 Engagements

On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, stressing the G20’s critical role in fostering economic prosperity that underpins lasting global peace. The forum provides an opportunity for South Africa to influence international financial policies and advocate for equitable economic frameworks.

Through this engagement, South Africa diplomacy extends beyond continental borders, contributing to the development of inclusive global economic governance.

Key Meetings: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Ahead of UNGA80, President Ramaphosa holds a meeting with House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman, Mr Jonathan Jackson. The meeting reinforces bilateral relations, focusing on South Africa-US cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomatic collaboration.

Engaging with international lawmakers and leaders underscores the strategic nature of South Africa diplomacy, highlighting the President’s role in advancing the nation’s interests on the global stage.

South African Delegation

Accompanying President Ramaphosa is a delegation of senior officials, including:

• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola

• Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau

• Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi

Each member contributes expertise to respective agendas, ensuring that South Africa’s positions are articulated effectively across UNGA80 discussions.

South Africa Diplomacy in Action

Throughout UNGA80, President Ramaphosa will continue to emphasize multilateralism, peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable development. By highlighting pressing issues such as global conflicts, climate change, health, and economic inequality, the President demonstrates South Africa’s active role in shaping international discourse.

This comprehensive engagement strengthens South Africa’s reputation as a mediator, strategic economic partner, and advocate for developing nations, while showcasing its capacity to lead in global forums.

Conclusion

President Cyril Ramaphosa leads South African delegation at UNGA80 in New York, projecting the nation’s diplomatic, economic, and social priorities to the international community. Through participation in high-level debates, climate action forums, economic dialogues, and bilateral meetings, South Africa asserts itself as a key player on the world stage.

The President’s leadership ensures that South Africa diplomacy remains proactive, responsive, and strategically aligned with both global and national interests, further reinforcing the nation’s commitment to peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.