Pretoria: President Jacob Zuma on Sunday arrived in New York to attend the 67th Session of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA67).

The theme of the UNGA General Debate is: “Bringing about Adjustment or Settlement of International Disputes of Situations by Peaceful Means”.

The President is expected to address the Assembly on Tuesday.

Underpinning all the activities at UNGA67 is South Africa’s strong support for the reform of the UN, specifically the Security Council. According to the Presidency, reform will strengthen the UN as a democratic, accountable and representative body, which is responsive to the needs of all its members.

Among the highlights of the visit, President Zuma has been invited by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to be one of the ten inaugural Member State Champions for the UN SG’s Education First Initiative, which will be launched this week.

The purpose of the initiative is to achieve quality, relevant and inclusive education for all. “President Zuma is honoured to serve in the initiative as education is an apex priority for South Africa,” the Presidency said.

Last year, the UNSG had asked the President to serve in the Global Sustainability Panel promoting sustainable development in the world, a task that was executed until conclusion.

A number of High-Level meetings will take place on the margins of UNGA67, these include:

The Rule of Law at International and National Levels;

Access to Justice for Women;

Global Initiative on Education;

Mini-Summit on Somalia; and

Sahel Region.

South Africa will pursue the following key policy objectives on the agenda of the UN:

African Agenda through the promotion of peace and security and development;

Peace in the Middle East, including Palestine;

Sustainable Development;

Global Financial and Economic Crises;

Promotion of the Millennium Development Goals;

Reform of International Institutions, including the United Nations; and

Promotion of South-South Cooperation;

President Zuma is accompanied by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana Mashabane, Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe and Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa – Nqakula.

Deputy Ministers of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi and Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo will also be in attendance.