By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has departed for New York to lead South Africa’s delegation at the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The 80th UN General Assembly, which annually brings world leaders together in New York, officially opened under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
The “high-level week,” during which world leaders deliver their speeches, will begin on Sept. 22. High-level participation from 190 countries is expected at the General Assembly.
In a statement, presidency said, “SA will use the platform to advocate for global multilateralism, human rights, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution, focusing on crises in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sudan, and Palestine.
“Ramaphosa will deliver South Africa’s national statement on 25 September, focusing on the need for reformed global institutions to better represent developing nations.
“He is also set to participate in the Summit of the Future on 22-23 September, a pre-UNGA event adopting the Pact for the Future to address gaps in global governance, read the statement.
In a pre-departure briefing, Ramaphosa said the visit would showcase South Africa’s progress in renewable energy transitions and digital innovation, inviting global partners to collaborate on projects like the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
Ramaphosa will also engage with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on peacekeeping reforms, given South Africa’s contributions to missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
At a news conference at headquarters ahead of the high-level week, Guterres highlighted multiple crises facing the world, including widening geopolitical divides, raging conflicts and climate change.
“We are gathering in turbulent, even uncharted, waters,” he said, warning that “international cooperation is straining under pressures unseen in our lifetimes.”
Guterres stressed that the week offers a crucial opportunity for “dialogue and mediation,” with nearly 150 heads of state and government expected to attend.
“UN week offers every possibility for dialogue and mediation. Every opportunity for forging solutions,” he said.
Philemon Yang, president of the 79th General Assembly, handed over the gavel to his successor President Annalena Baerbock, who becomes only the fifth woman in history to lead the General Assembly.
Guterres congratulated Baerbock and pledged support, saying: “Congratulations, once again, on your election, which holds added significance as you become only the fifth woman in history to be elected to this important role.”
He reminded member states that “the Charter is not self-executing” and urged them to “summon the same resolve and spirit of determination that brought delegates to San Francisco in 1945.”