New York – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York, U.S.A., to attend the United Nations General Debate and High-Level Week (UNGA79).
President Ramaphosa is leading a South African delegation made up of ministers at the 79th Session of the, which began Saturday, (21 September 2024) and ends on Tuesday (24 September 2024).
The ministers accompanying President Ramaphosa include:
- International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola,
- Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa,
- Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dr. Dion George, and
- Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau.
On Friday, (20 September 2024), Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, explained that: “This annual gathering of world leaders is the most important event on the UN calendar, with Heads of State and Government and Heads of International Organisations discussing global challenges and how to address these challenges in the best interest of humanity”.
He added: “This year, the African Group presides over the General Assembly, with Mr Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon, elected as President of the 79th Session.
“The theme identified by the President of UNGA79 is, ‘Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere’.”
Magwenya said President Ramaphosa was expected to address the General Assembly on the opening day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024.
He said among the issues on which President Ramaphosa will focus on during his engagements in New York include the necessity for the maintenance of international peace and security; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda; climate change and the upcoming COP29 in Baku; financing for development, and health and pandemic preparedness.
“President Ramaphosa will take part in the United Nations Secretary-General’s flagship High-Level Summit of the Future (SoTF) on 22 September 2024, which, at its conclusion, is expected to adopt a Pact for the Future (PFTF),” Magwenya said.
“While in New York, President Ramaphosa will also engage business leaders as part of the drive to attract foreign direct investment for South Africa.”
*Image courtesy GCIS
