Pemmy Majodina to Attend 79th UN General Assembly, Focus on Water-Secure Africa

Majodina emphasized South Africa's involvement in addressing water and sanitation challenges, linking them to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York from September 24 to 26, 2024, joining global leaders in discussions on securing Africa's water future. The UNGA, considered the most significant event on the UN calendar, gathers Heads of State, Government officials, and international leaders to address pressing global challenges.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will also attend the assembly, taking part in the General Debate and High-Level Week from September 21 to 24, 2024. Minister Majodina, along with a delegation of water sector stakeholders, will participate in discussions aimed at mobilizing commitments for a water-secure Africa. She will be part of panels reviewing progress in the African Union's (AU) High-Level Panel Investment Action Plan and lay out a road map for the upcoming AU Africa Water Investment Summit and UN Water Conference scheduled for 2026. South Africa will play a key role in these efforts as it prepares to assume the G20 Presidency next year.

Majodina emphasized South Africa's involvement in addressing water and sanitation challenges, linking them to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "The deliberations will focus on understanding, valuing, and managing water, building partnerships, and enhancing international collaboration," she said. The Minister is also expected to join discussions on climate change, water management, and sanitation, exploring opportunities to advance the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) agenda. This year, Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon, will preside over the General Assembly under the theme:

"Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone everywhere."

President Ramaphosa is set to address the General Assembly on September 24, focusing on critical issues such as international peace, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, climate change ahead of COP29 in Baku, development financing, and global health preparedness. The event is expected to chart pathways for addressing these global challenges in the coming years.