His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa held a high-level bilateral meeting with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Ethiopia.
The bilateral engagement formed part of a series of strategic high-level interactions taking place during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, a critical platform for Africa’s political leadership to deliberate on continental priorities, regional stability and global cooperation in a rapidly evolving international environment.
The meeting between President Ramaphosa and Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between South Africa and the United Nations and underscored their shared commitment to multilateralism, peace, sustainable development and the strengthening of global governance institutions.
Discussions focused on deepening cooperation between the UN and African institutions as well as advancing collective responses to conflict, humanitarian crises and development challenges across the continent.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of Africa’s voice and leadership within the global system, particularly in addressing issues related to peacebuilding, climate change, sustainable development financing and the reform of international institutions to better reflect contemporary global realities. President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s steadfast support for the United Nations and its central role in promoting international peace, security and cooperation.
On the margins of the Assembly, President Ramaphosa addressed the Heads of State and Government during the presentation of the report of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union on its activities and on the state of peace and security in Africa.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa highlighted the critical role of the African Union’s peace and security architecture in responding to emerging and protracted conflicts across the continent. He underscored the need for strengthened preventive diplomacy, enhanced mediation efforts and sustained investment in post-conflict reconstruction and development as essential pillars for achieving lasting peace.
The President further reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting the African Union’s initiatives aimed at silencing the guns, promoting political dialogue and strengthening democratic governance. He emphasised that peace and stability remain fundamental prerequisites for economic recovery, social cohesion and inclusive growth across Africa.
President Ramaphosa also participated in a high-level briefing session held during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, where he presented and reflected on the outcomes of the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted in South Africa.
During the briefing, President Ramaphosa outlined key deliberations and decisions taken by G20 leaders with a particular focus on development finance, debt sustainability for developing economies, climate action, energy transition and the reform of the international financial architecture. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the priorities and perspectives of Africa and the Global South remain firmly integrated into global economic decision-making processes.
The President stressed that South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit represented a significant opportunity to advance Africa-centred development objectives and to promote a more inclusive and equitable global economic system.
He further noted that the outcomes of the Summit reflected a growing recognition of the urgency to mobilise resources for sustainabe development, address global inequalities and strengthen cooperation in the face of shared global challenges.
In his engagement with fellow African leaders, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with member states and regional partners to translate international commitments into tangible benefits for African economies and communities. He emphasised that Africa’s collective voice, unity and coordinated action remain essential to shaping global outcomes that respond meaningfully to the continent’s development aspirations.
The series of high-level engagements by President Ramaphosa during the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly demonstrate South Africa’s continued leadership in advancing continental peace and security, strengthening multilateral partnerships and promoting Africa’s strategic interests on the global stage.
Through sustained diplomatic engagement with the United Nations, active participation in African Union processes and leadership in global forums such as the G20, South Africa continues to play a pivotal role in shaping solutions to regional and international challenges while reinforcing the principles of cooperation, solidarity and shared responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world.
