Ramaphosa urges global unity at UN Assembly

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa says the world must act with urgency and unity to confront the multiple global crises threatening peace, development, and human dignity.

- HOPE NTANZI

Addressing the General Debate at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Ramaphosa delivered an appeal for multilateral reform, climate justice, economic equality, and peace in regions plagued by conflict.

Ramaphosa told world leaders that South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency will be guided by “Equality, Solidarity and Sustainability,’ aiming to re-centre Africa in global economic governance.

He warned that climate change continues to reverse hard-won development gains, particularly in the Global South.

“Extreme weather events, like floods and droughts, are driving food insecurity, displacing populations, damaging infrastructure and destroying livelihoods.”

He also pointed to the debt crisis facing many developing countries. “Many countries with developing economies, especially in Africa and the Global South, do not have adequate capital to finance their development goals,” he said.