Cabinet Extends Wide Support for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address at UNGA

Cabinet has praised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address at UNGA (United Nations General Assembly). The 78th United Nations General Assembly session occurred in New York, USA.

As per SANews, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasised South Africa’s role as a strong advocate for the African continent and the global South within the United Nations and the broader multilateral system. President Ramaphosa highlighted the imperative for developing countries to have equitable and meaningful participation in shaping the international economic world order.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing, Minister Ntshavheni reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to addressing climate change. The President called on affluent nations to fulfil their climate financial commitments to mitigate global warming in developing countries. South Africa is a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation.

President Ramaphosa also championed the resolution of conflicts guided by the UN Charter’s principle of respecting the territorial integrity of each country, promoting substantive dialogue as the way forward. Moreover, he advocated for reforms within the UN Security Council to enhance its effectiveness in addressing current geopolitical dynamics.

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As the AU Champion, President Ramaphosa participated in the Advancing Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Summit. He led a government delegation in bilateral meetings to strengthen political, diplomatic, and trade relations. These meetings included discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the African Peace Initiative and interactions with the Presidents of Nigeria, Algeria, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe.

One of the highlights was the President’s notable participation in the US-SA Trade and Investment Business Roundtable, which precedes the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum (AGOA Forum) (occurring in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November). This forum supports growth through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will feature the ‘Made in Africa Exhibition,’ showcasing regional value chains.

Cabinet underscored the significance of the collaboration between Novo Nordisk and Aspen, forged during UNGA. This partnership will significantly enhance access to insulin treatment in South Africa and across the continent. It aims to supply over 16 million doses in 2024, with plans for further scaling by 2026. Insulin production will utilise Aspen’s facilities in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, including infrastructure previously used for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing. This move will help reduce Africa’s growing pharmaceutical trade deficit, where the continent imports most of its vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

Cabinet expressed optimism that these initiatives would promote economic growth, foster regional cooperation, and improve healthcare access in South Africa and across the African continent.

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Picture: X / GovernmentZA

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