President Cyril Ramaphosa has touched down in New York to lead South Africa’s delegation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). The high-level meetings run from September 23 to 29 under the theme: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”

As Chair of the G20 this year, Ramaphosa is expected to push a strong message of multilateralism, human rights, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Key Engagements Ahead:

Two-State Solution Meeting – Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, focused on reaffirming global commitment to peace in the Middle East.

UNGA General Debate – On Tuesday, Ramaphosa will spotlight the concerns of the Global South and address conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, the DRC, and Ukraine.

Sustainable Economy Summit – With UN Secretary-General António Guterres, looking at ways to strengthen global cooperation on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.

Health Leadership Session – As Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, he’ll co-host with Botswana’s President Boko Duma and former New Zealand PM Helen Clark.

Climate Action Event – Co-chaired with Guterres and Brazilian President Lula da Silva to accelerate climate commitments.

Trade & Investment Talks – Engaging US business leaders through the US Chamber of Commerce to deepen South Africa–US economic ties.

G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting – Ramaphosa will open the session, stressing the role of global economic stability in fostering peace.

The President is joined by senior ministers Ronald Lamola (International Relations), Parks Tau (Trade & Industry), and Aaron Motsoaledi (Health), all tasked with advancing South Africa’s agenda on the world stage.