President Cyril Ramaphosa Arrives in New York for 79th UN General Assembly

The African group is presiding over this year’s General Assembly, with former Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, elected as President of the 79th Session.

President Cyril Ramaphosa landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Saturday, leading the South African delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and its high-level week. He was welcomed by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mathu Nompozolo, and Defence Attaché Brigadier General Richard Maponyane.

President Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This year, the gathering of Heads of State and Government aims to tackle the critical challenges and gaps in global governance highlighted by recent global events, reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhance international cooperation for a stronger multilateral system.

The African group is presiding over this year’s General Assembly, with former Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, elected as President of the 79th Session. The theme for this year is “Unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone everywhere.”

During his engagements, President Ramaphosa will focus on maintaining international peace and security, advancing the SDGs, climate change, financing for development, and health preparedness in the context of upcoming global challenges. Today, he will participate in the UN Secretary-General’s flagship High-Level Summit of the Future (SoTF), which is expected to culminate in the adoption of a Pact for the Future (PFTF). Additionally, President Ramaphosa will engage with business leaders to attract foreign direct investment for South Africa. This visit underscores South Africa's commitment to addressing pressing global issues and enhancing its role within the international community.