President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York to lead South Africa’s delegation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), where world leaders will mark the United Nations (UN) Charter’s anniversary under the theme “Better together, 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.”

Ramaphosa will participate in a high-level meeting on a two-state solution on Israel, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Al Saud. South Africa will use the platform to reaffirm support for Palestinian statehood and highlight the urgency of a peaceful resolution in Gaza.

According to the South African Presidency, the week’s agenda places South Africa at the centre of global economic and social debates. Ramaphosa will argue for a “sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy” at a meeting on Wednesday, warning that developing nations face disproportionate risks from weak growth and climate shocks. He will also convene a session on women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health, calling it a foundation for peace and sustainable development.

Climate action will be another key pillar of his visit. Ramaphosa will join UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at a high-level event driving climate commitments. On the margins, he will press trade and investment ties with leading United States (US) firms, underscoring America’s role as one of South Africa’s top five export markets. Later in the week, Ramaphosa will lead the opening of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, positioning South Africa as a voice for the Global South in shaping peace and prosperity.