Ramaphosa Leads South Africa at 80th UN General Assembly Addressing Peace, Trade, Climate

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading South Africa's delegation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, focusing on peace, sustainable development, human rights, and reform of the UN system to better reflect global realities, especially those of the Global South. Ramaphosa criticized the UN Security Council's outdated composition and veto powers, which hamper effective collective action, and called for text-based negotiations to make it more accountable, democratic, and representative. He highlighted Africa's challenges, including debt burdens, conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, and climate change impacts, urging fairer global financial rules, trade reforms, and urgent climate action. South Africa, under Ramaphosa's G20 presidency, aims to elevate African voices and advocate for dialogue over discord amid ongoing conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The UN and South African officials emphasize South Africa's role as a trusted mediator and advocate for a rules-based international order that advances justice, peace, and development. The UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa and government ministers also stress the need for Africa to be a co-creator in global governance to ensure its rise and relevance in a changing world.