South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, is set to address the United Nations General Assembly during its annual session, as a genocide case against Israel regarding its military offensive in Gaza continues, according to Anadolu Agency.
Ramaphosa will head the South African delegation to New York for the 79th session of the assembly, chaired by Cameroon’s former Prime Minister, Philemon Yang. The South African President is scheduled to deliver his address on Tuesday, his office confirmed.
In his speech, Ramaphosa is expected to highlight the necessity for maintaining international peace and security, while also addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 Agenda, climate change ahead of the upcoming COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, development financing, and global health and pandemic preparedness.
South Africa has brought Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its extensive airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in the deaths of over 41,200 people since October of last year. Pretoria remains firm in its commitment to pursue the case, despite reports that Israeli diplomats are enlisting US legal assistance to pressure South Africa into withdrawing the genocide charges.
However, South Africa has confirmed that it will proceed with the case at the ICJ, with plans to submit a memorial to the court next month.
The annual UN General Assembly is a critical forum where world leaders converge to address pressing global challenges. According to a statement from Ramaphosa’s office, the gathering remains the most important event on the UN calendar to discuss solutions for global crises in the interest of humanity.
Additionally, Ramaphosa will participate in the UN Secretary-General’s high-level Summit of the Future. The South African leader is also set to meet with business leaders as part of his ongoing efforts to attract foreign direct investment to South Africa, the continent’s largest economy.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola will be among the officials accompanying Ramaphosa to the UN.