By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a significant diplomatic engagement in New York, where he paid a courtesy visit to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres. This meeting followed the opening of the Summit of the Future, a landmark event held during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, aimed at addressing some of the most pressing global challenges.
Summit of the Future: A Pact for Progress
The Summit of the Future saw world leaders adopt a Pact for the Future, a framework designed to reform global multilateral institutions. The central goal is to equip these institutions to better respond to emerging challenges, including sustainable development, peace, security, and the protection of vulnerable communities. Ramaphosa emphasized that the summit left the international community with an ambitious and concrete call to action to create a better world for future generations .
During the summit, Ramaphosa was a strong advocate for the inclusion of the Global South’s concerns, expressing a need for the pact to reflect the interests of developing nations. He reiterated that Africa’s voices, especially those tied to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, should play a central role in shaping global solutions .
South Africa’s Key Role in Global Discussions
In line with the themes of the summit, Ramaphosa addressed topics such as climate change, conflict resolution, and the need for global solidarity. He further stressed the urgency of addressing inequalities exacerbated by the global economic and financial system, which has disproportionately impacted developing countries .
Ramaphosa’s focus also extended to Africa’s role in the global economy, particularly with regard to minerals. During a roundtable session on navigating the new landscape for African minerals, Ramaphosa underscored the importance of sustainable development in Africa’s mining sector, which plays a key role in global supply chains for critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt .
Commitment to Peace and Security
Ramaphosa’s engagement with the Summit of the Future aligns closely with the UN’s New Agenda for Peace, which seeks to address the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and climate crises. The agenda emphasizes the need for preventive diplomacy and a reformed multilateral system that can anticipate and address emerging conflicts before they escalate .
Guterres also highlighted the importance of the New Agenda for Peace during his address, warning that multilateral institutions are at risk of becoming ineffective in the face of modern challenges. He called for urgent reforms to ensure that the global system remains fair, inclusive, and equipped to handle technological advancements, climate emergencies, and political instability .
South Africa’s Diplomatic Outreach
On the diplomatic front, Ramaphosa’s visit to New York also included meetings with key business and trade leaders. As part of a strategic effort to promote investment and economic cooperation, he engaged with American business leaders at the New York Stock Exchange. This outreach is part of South Africa’s broader goal to attract foreign investment and strengthen trade relations with major economies .
His interactions with the Business Council for International Understanding, a non-profit organization focused on fostering diplomatic ties, further highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing global trade challenges .
Download Here:
Central News Weekly Edition 073 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “R180,000 in Prizes at Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament 2024”
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate