Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma returned from his working visit to the United States where he participated in the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71).
The UNGA71 focused on several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); climate change; peace and security issues; UN reform - especially the Security Council; and the process of appointing a new successor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon whose second term will come to an end in December.
South Africa used the opportunity to communicate progress made towards achieving Africa’s development, including on industrialisation and regional integration, with the aim of achieving a better life for South Africans and all in the continent.
President Zuma that South Africa has put in place a National Development Plan, which is aligned to African Union Agenda 2063, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our National Development Plan is in line with the drive for industrialisation of Africa. This will contribute to the eradication of poverty, reduce inequality and unemployment, and will also contribute positively to global growth and prosperity,” said President Zuma.
During a debate, South Africa reiterated the concern regarding the strength of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations, specifically the Security Council.
President Zuma questioned whether the UN, and in particular the UN Security Council as currently configured, could fulfil its mandate in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
“South Africa will continue to call for the Council’s transformation to ensure, in particular, Africa’s representation,” he said, adding that one billion people cannot continue to be denied a voice.
President Zuma also participated in several high-level meetings such as the plenary which looked into large movements of refugees and migrants, the launch of the Report of the High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth (HLC HEEG) - which he co-chaired with French President François Hollande.
President Zuma also hosted an event to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which South Africa currently chairs and attended the US-Africa Business Forum hosted by President Barak Obama.
The forum focussed on trade and investment opportunities in Africa and was attended by a number of African Heads of State and Government.
The event provided African heads of state and government with an opportunity to network with American business leaders to explore business and investment.
Flight on SAA
The President returned to the country via a South African Airways commercial flight from John F Kenney to OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning.
“He was impressed with the service provided on the return flight. The President flew SAA on his onward trip to the US as part of promoting travel to South Africa via the national carrier as the country marks Tourism Month,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
