Media Statement

22 September 2020

South Africa to address the General Debate of the virtual 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Chairperson, will this afternoon, 22 September 2020, address the first day of the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, under the theme: “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action.”

South Africa is 6th on today’s speakers list, following addresses by the Heads of State of the Federative Republic of Brazil, United States of America, Republic of Turkey, Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Chile.

In his address, President Ramaphosa will assert the continent’s position on global and continental peace, security and development challenges and outline the African Union’s programme of action in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving the goal of Silencing the Guns.

The details for today’s General Debate are as follows:

Time: 09:00 (UTC), which is 15:00 (CAT) – South African time. President Ramaphosa’s address is estimated to commence at 16:45 (CAT)

Where: Proceedings can be followed on UN Web TV (http://webtv.un.org/)

Please see link to the General Debate speakers list – https://www.un.org/en/ga/info/meetings/75schedule.shtml

Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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