President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he will call for urgent reforms within the global body. His message is clear: the UN must strengthen multilateralism and operate under fairer, rules-based systems.
This year’s Assembly is being held under the theme “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration.” South Africa’s leader has warned that the stakes for global stability and cooperation have never been higher.
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Security Council Structure Under Fire
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa highlighted the UN Security Council as the biggest obstacle to the organisation’s effectiveness. The Council’s structure, dominated by five permanent members—the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom—remains unchanged since World War II.

He said this arrangement allows a small group of nations to control decisions that affect more than 85% of the world’s population, particularly countries in the Global South. He noted that the UN is “hampered by competing national interests” that prevent meaningful collective action.
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With South Africa currently chairing the G20, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of amplifying the voice of the Global South at this year’s UNGA.
He emphasised that advancing multilateralism is critical at a time when human rights face threats and geopolitical tensions are fueling instability worldwide.
The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa will deliver his address to the General Debate on Tuesday, where he will underline the urgent need for reform and convey a unified message from developing nations.
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