President Jacob Zuma has arrived in New York to attend the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA70) under the theme: “The United Nations at 70 – the road ahead for peace, security and human rights.”
The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. Comprising all 193 Members of the UN, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations.
The General Debate takes place in the context of a number of landmark anniversaries, which include the:
i. 70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations;
ii. 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War;
iii. 70th anniversary of the use of the atomic bombs;
iv. 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action;
v. 15th anniversary of resolution 1325 on women, peace and security; and (vi) target date for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The General Debate will take place from 28 September to 3 October 2015 and will be preceded by the Sustainable Development Summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda outcome document titled: “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” This new development agenda builds on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and will serve as the guiding global development framework for the next fifteen years.
At the heart of Agenda 2030 is the set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets. The goals cover all three dimensions of sustainable development ranging from: ending poverty; ensuring healthy lives; ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education; achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls; conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and addressing climate change.
The SDGs contained in Agenda 2030 are aligned to South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), as well as to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and also seek to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The President of the 70th Session of the General Assembly is H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft from Denmark, who chose: “The United Nations at 70: the Road ahead for Peace, Security and Human Rights,” as the theme of the General Debate.
South Africa will use the General Debate to reflect on the achievements of the UN in the past seven decades and highlight the priorities for the organisation with the aim of identifying ways to make it more effective, representative, democratic and transparent.
President Zuma is scheduled to address the Summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda on 27 September 2015 and the General Assembly on 28 September 2015.
The President and/or Ministers accompanying him will also participate in a number of High-Level United Nations Events on the margins of UNGA70. These include;
- The Summit of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) chaired by the President Museveni of Uganda as President of the AUPSC for September (26 September 2015),
- Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment – A Common Commitment, chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (27 September 2015),
- Meeting of Selected Heads of State and Government on COP21 co-hosted by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, President Hollande of France, and President Tasso of Peru (27 September 2015),
- Informal Working Lunch of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (29 September 2015),
- Ninth Regional Oversight Mechanism Meeting of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework ( 29 September 2015)
President Zuma is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Jeff Radebe; Minister in the Presidency for Women, Ms Susan Shabangu; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa; Minister of Health, Dr Aron Motsoaledi; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane; Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini; Minister of Communications, Ms Faith Muthambi; Minister of State Security, Mr David Mahlobo, Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Mr Siyabonga Cwele and the Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
E-mail: BonganiM@presidency.gov.za
