President Ramaphosa Advocates for Global Solidarity and Reform

On September 23, 2025, during the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, South African President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa delivered a powerful address emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation in an increasingly divided world. Drawing on South Africa’s historical experiences and its current role on the global stage, M. Ramaphosa called for renewed commitment to the UN Charter’s principles of peace, development, and human rights.

Upholding multilateralism and strengthening partnerships

President Ramaphosa opened his remarks by stressing that now more than ever, Member States are called upon to uphold the values of the UN Charter, enhance solidarity between nations and safeguard the institutions that enable multilateralism. He highlighted the strong partnership between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, which has been instrumental in promoting peace and stability across Africa.

M. Ramaphosa also spotlighted South Africa’s ongoing presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), noting that it marks the first time that entity will convene a summit on the African continent — the cradle of humanity. The presidency focuses on key global issues, including disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, energy transition financing, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Africa’s rise amid persistent challenges

Describing Africa as a continent irreversibly on the rise, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the significant barriers hindering progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He pointed out that many goals remain out of reach due to a severe lack of financial resources. Many developing countries spend more on debt servicing than on health or education, he emphasized, underscoring the need for global solidarity to address these inequalities.

Trade as a tool for development, not coercion

The President critiqued the weaponization of trade, stating that it is one of the most important instruments for mobilizing domestic resources for development, yet it now is being used as a weapon against several countries. He specifically called for the lifting of the economic embargo against Cuba.

Addressing global military spending and conflicts

With global military expenditure reaching historic highs, M. Ramaphosa urged decisive action: We must act decisively to silence all the guns everywhere to realize the goals of sustainable development and global peace. He warned that the UN’s relevance is being undermined by increasing reliance on unilateral military actions, citing ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and other regions.

Turning to the Middle East, President Ramaphosa affirmed that Member States have a responsibility to protect the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He stated that there is a growing consensus that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and added that South Africa is pushing for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule on the matter.

Nuclear disarmament and un leadership

On nuclear issues, President Ramaphosa noted insufficient progress despite the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. He mentioned that South Africa will chair the treaty’s first review conference next year. Additionally, he expressed support for nominating a female Secretary-General to lead the UN.

Urgent call for security council reform

The South African President strongly advocated for reforming the UN Security Council through text-based negotiations, calling it unacceptable that Africa, with its 1.4 billion people, and South America lack permanent representation. This is unjust, this is unacceptable and this must end, he declared.

The UN80 initiative and structural changes

Citing the UN80 initiative, which marks the organization’s 80th anniversary, M. Ramaphosa called for structural changes across the UN system to address reduced funding and ensure it can effectively fulfill its mandates and uphold international law.

A final affirmation of indivisible freedom

In closing, President Ramaphosa reminded the assembly that we must reaffirm that freedom is indivisible and that the denial of the rights of one person diminishes the freedom of all of us. His address serves as a rallying cry for collective action to build a more equitable and peaceful world.