New York – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York, United States of America, for the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80)
The high-level segment will take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.
Today, Monday, 22 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will 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 Presidency stated that the meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilise support for its implementation.
In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, President Ramaphosa 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 provide an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, 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.
On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 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.
In his capacity as the Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.
The meeting will be co-chaired by Botswana President Boko Duma.
Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
The high-level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable development.
President Ramaphosa will also participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action to be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances, and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.
In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as a strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, President Ramaphosa will, on the margins of UNGA, 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.
President Ramaphosa will also meet with several leading U.S. Companies as part of the investment drive.
“The U.S. has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among the country’s top five export destinations, accounting for 7.5% of our global exports,” the Presidency said.
“The U.S. also features as one of the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment.”
On Thursday, 25 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will lead the high-level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
The G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes to lasting global peace.
President Ramaphosa will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week.
President Ramaphosa is 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 on https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule
