President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, has confirmed that the President will lead the South African delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Debate and High-Level Week (UNGA79) in New York from 21 to 24 September 2024. This announcement positions South Africa at the heart of international diplomacy as the global community gathers to address pressing challenges, including climate change, pandemic preparedness, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Magwenya emphasized the significance of this annual event, stating, “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.” The UNGA provides a platform for nations to collaborate on key global issues and find common ground in addressing humanitarian, environmental, and socio-economic concerns.
This year’s General Assembly will be unique, as the African Group presides over the session. Mr. Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon, was elected as President of the 79th Session. His election is a significant moment for Africa, reflecting the continent’s growing influence in global diplomacy. The theme chosen by the UNGA79 President is “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone everywhere,” a theme resonating deeply with the values South Africa has long championed on the international stage.
President Ramaphosa’s Key Address on Global Challenges
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his address to the General Assembly on the opening day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024. His speech will be closely watched, as South Africa remains a key voice in advocating for multilateralism, international peace, and security. Among the critical issues Ramaphosa is set to highlight include:
1. International Peace and Security: President Ramaphosa is expected to call for sustained global efforts to maintain peace and stability, particularly in conflict-prone regions. He will likely address concerns about the war in Ukraine, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and peace-building initiatives in Africa, reaffirming South Africa’s stance as a nation committed to diplomatic solutions.
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda: With the world at the halfway mark to achieving the 2030 SDG targets, Ramaphosa’s address will place significant emphasis on revitalizing efforts towards poverty eradication, gender equality, and quality education. He is expected to outline South Africa’s progress while urging global cooperation for accelerated development, particularly for nations facing economic hardships.
3. Climate Change and COP29: As climate change continues to pose existential threats, the President will use this platform to amplify the importance of urgent global action. The upcoming COP29 in Baku is expected to be a crucial point in his speech, where he will likely call for greater commitments to climate finance and sustainable development from wealthier nations.
4. Financing for Development: In light of global economic uncertainty and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ramaphosa will stress the need for innovative financing solutions to support development initiatives in Africa. He will advocate for restructuring global financial systems to make them more accessible for developing countries.
5. Health and Pandemic Preparedness: Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramaphosa will highlight the need for better global health systems, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and strengthening healthcare infrastructure worldwide.High-Level Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future
An essential part of the President’s itinerary is his participation in the United Nations Secretary-General’s flagship High-Level Summit of the Future (SoTF), scheduled for 22 September 2024. This summit aims to address long-term global challenges and ensure that the world is better prepared for future crises. The Summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a Pact for the Future (PFTF), a new framework outlining global commitments to peace, development, and human rights. President Ramaphosa’s contributions to this summit will underscore South Africa’s vision of a more equitable and just global order.
Attracting Foreign Investment to South Africa
While in New York, President Ramaphosa will also engage in bilateral meetings with global business leaders, part of his ongoing drive to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to South Africa. The nation’s economy has faced significant challenges, including the impact of global inflation, energy shortages, and unemployment. Ramaphosa’s focus on FDI will signal South Africa’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, one that supports innovation, industrial growth, and sustainable job creation.
Ministers Accompanying the President
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by key members of his cabinet, reflecting the multifaceted agenda South Africa will present at UNGA79. Ministers in the delegation include:
• Mr Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Lamola will engage in high-level discussions on diplomatic relations, international security, and cooperation between South Africa and other global powers.
• Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Ramokgopa will focus on monitoring the progress of South Africa’s international commitments and ensuring that outcomes from UNGA79 align with national priorities.
• Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health: With a focus on global health discussions, Motsoaledi will highlight South Africa’s advancements in pandemic preparedness and collaborate with international counterparts to bolster the country’s healthcare systems.
• Dr Dion George, Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries: Climate change negotiations will be at the forefront of George’s agenda as South Africa pushes for greater climate finance and cooperation at COP29.
• Mr Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition: Tau’s role will focus on engaging international business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in South Africa, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.Regional Perspectives: Zimbabwe’s Absence from UNGA79
While South Africa prepares to present a robust presence at UNGA79, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa will not be attending this year’s assembly due to a packed domestic agenda in the final quarter of 2024. In a statement, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, George Charamba, explained, “In light of a dense programme in the last quarter of 2024, His Excellency the President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, will not attend this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. His statement will be delivered by Hon. F.M. Shava, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who is already in New York for the Assembly.” Mnangagwa’s absence signals a potential shift in Zimbabwe’s international engagements as it focuses on domestic reforms and economic challenges.
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