President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Influential Role at the 78th United Nations General Assembly

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently concluded a productive visit to the United States, where he led his country’s delegation at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. His active involvement in meaningful discussions and promoting global cooperation left a lasting impression on both political and economic spheres.

Addressing Economic Inequality and Sustainable Development

Under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of equitable participation by developing nations in the global economic system. He highlighted the urgent need to bridge the widening gap between the global north and south, reminding the audience that four decades have passed since the United Nations recognized the right to development as a human right.

During the Financing for Development Summit, President Ramaphosa joined UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN General Assembly President Ambassador Dennis Francis to advocate for strengthening and reforming the international financial architecture. Emphasizing the significance of developing countries having an equal and meaningful role in decision-making processes, he pushed for the achievement of UN-driven global sustainable development goals, with an ambitious annual target of $500 billion.

Climate Change and South Africa’s Green Growth Potential

Climate change was a major topic of discussion at the UNGA, with African leaders, including President Ramaphosa, calling for action in implementing the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action. Acknowledging that decarbonizing the global economy could contribute to equality and shared prosperity, Ramaphosa argued that financing for climate action should respect each nation’s right to pursue its development pathway, taking into account specific national circumstances.

South Africa, with its wealth of solar, wind, and critical mineral resources, is well-placed to lead in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialization. As the country carries out its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, aligned with the Paris Agreement temperature goals, new possibilities for green growth and development arise.

Bilateral Meetings and Strengthening International Ties

In addition to President Ramaphosa’s significant input in multilateral discussions at the UNGA, he conducted bilateral meetings aimed at reinforcing strategic political, diplomatic, and trade relations. These conversations involved Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

A notable success for South Africa during UNGA was the joint statement by the South African and United States governments that South Africa would host the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November 2023. President Ramaphosa praised this development as evidence of South Africa’s commitment to remaining part of the trade partnership facilitated by the United States’ Africa Growth and Opportunity Act beyond 2025. This trade relationship provides mutual benefits for both nations, fostering stronger ties between them.

Reflecting on the UNGA and Looking Forward

Upon reflecting on the UNGA, President Ramaphosa characterized the event as “an important and strategic platform for South Africa,” where high-level multilateral and bilateral interactions occurred. He expressed optimism that the challenges faced by South Africa and the continent as a whole could be addressed through continued collaboration with social partners and businesses domestically and trade and diplomatic partners internationally.

Supporting President Ramaphosa’s working visit to the United States was a delegation of ministers, including International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor; Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel; Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy; Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa.