Ramaphosa Urges Global Equity, UN Reform, and Palestinian Statehood at UN General Assembly

President Ramaphosa Addresses UN General Assembly

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa delivered a comprehensive address to the United Nations General Assembly, outlining his nation's stance on critical global issues. His speech underscored the urgent need for a more equitable international system, reform of key global institutions, and a renewed commitment to peace and self-determination for all peoples.

Tackling Global Inequality and Economic Justice

In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the deepening global inequality, poverty, and unemployment, stating that 'solidarity and trust between states is being eroded.' He called for a more just global economic order, urging wealthier nations to fulfill their financial commitments to developing economies, particularly in climate action. Ramaphosa highlighted that African nations, despite being least responsible for climate damage, bear a significant burden and require increased financial support to achieve sustainable development goals. He also advocated for fairer global lending rules and reform of multilateral development banks.

Condemning Trade as a Weapon

President Ramaphosa strongly criticized the use of trade policies as a weapon, noting that 'geopolitical shocks and unprecedented trade policy volatility are destabilizing the global economy and jeopardizing a critical source of development finance.' He stated that 'trade is now being used as a weapon against a number of countries in the world,' and called for a strengthening of the link between trade and development. South Africa, he noted, has been engaging with trade representatives to address tariffs that have negatively impacted its economy.

Calls for UN Security Council Reform

Reiterating a long-standing position, President Ramaphosa called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council, asserting that it is 'clearly no longer fit' to address contemporary challenges and has proven 'ineffective in its current form and composition.' He argued that placing global security in the hands of a select few is 'unjust, unfair and unsustainable' and advocated for a more inclusive, democratic, and representative body, particularly with permanent representation for African countries. He urged for text-based negotiations to make the Security Council more accountable and effective.

Reaffirming Support for Palestinian Statehood

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's unwavering commitment to the creation of an independent Palestinian state. He stated that 'South Africa reiterates its firm commitment to the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state existing peacefully side by side with the state of Israel along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.' He condemned the 'disproportionate punishment against the people of Palestine' and highlighted South Africa's legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asserting a 'plausible case of genocide against the people of Gaza.' Ramaphosa welcomed the growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood and called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the violence, and the restoration of humanitarian aid in Gaza.