President Cyril Ramaphosa Arrives in New York for the UN General Assembly

New York – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York, USA, for the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

This high-level segment is scheduled from 23 to 29 September 2025, under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

Today, Monday, 22 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will take part in a high-level meeting focused on the Two-State Solution, which is convened and co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron of France and HRH Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Al Saud from Saudi Arabia.

The Presidency has indicated that this meeting aims to reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution while mobilizing support for its execution.

In support of robust multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution, and the steadfast protection of human rights, President Ramaphosa is set to address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.

He will convey a message representing the Global South, bolstered by South Africa’s current position as Chair of the G20.

These segments offer a vital platform for the President to discuss pressing international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the war in Ukraine, and various geopolitical tensions.

South Africa aims to leverage its established reputation as a trusted mediator to foster dialogue and cooperation between conflicting parties.

On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Global Economy, which is convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

This forum allows leaders to evaluate progress and explore practical solutions to mobilize global resources and strengthen economic governance in line with the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on its G20 mandate for global economic solutions, South Africa will advocate vigorously for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy.

The delegation will highlight the disproportionate effects of current global challenges on developing countries, while pushing for increased international collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will also host a high-level meeting focused on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development.

This meeting will be co-chaired by Botswana’s President Boko Duma and Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

The high-level meeting will present a crucial opportunity for global advocacy, agenda-setting, and cross-sectoral engagement among Heads of State and Government to prioritize the health of women, children, and adolescents as a foundational element for peace, security, and sustainable development.

Additionally, President Ramaphosa will take part in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action, co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil.

This event aims to unite Heads of State and Government, business, and civil society to accelerate action on mitigation, adaptation, finances, and ensuring information integrity, all in alignment with the Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

Reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as a strategic economic partner, President Ramaphosa will engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

He will also meet with several prominent U.S. companies as part of the investment initiative.

“The U.S. has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among the country’s top five export destinations, representing 7.5% of our global exports,” stated the Presidency.

“Moreover, the U.S. is one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in South Africa.”

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will lead the high-level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The G20 plays a crucial role in supporting UN efforts aimed at fostering an economically prosperous world conducive to enduring global peace.

President Ramaphosa will also hold bilateral discussions with fellow Heads of State and Government attending UNGA High-Level week.

He will be supported by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola; Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga; Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister Dr. Dion George; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Maropene Ramokgopa; Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi; and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele.

*UNGA80 High-Level schedule and clean feed available at https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule