President Cyril Ramaphosa and his counterparts, Donald Trump from the US and Lula da Silva from Brazil, will be among the speakers in the annual general debate of the United Nations General Assembly later today.

Ramaphosa is expected to call on the UN to demonstrate that multilateralism is alive. The White House says Trump will deliver a major speech on the renewal of American strength around the world.

Trump returns to the UN after a four-year absence, having riled foes and allies alike since returning to the White House in January, and the reception he’ll receive will be closely watched over US tariffs and its support for Israel’s continued war in Gaza that has bucked international calls for an immediate ceasefire.

President Lula speaks directly before Trump amid a tense stand-off over Brazil’s conviction of Trump ally and former President Jair Bolsonaro for seeking to illegally cling to power.

President Ramaphosa is expected to reiterate calls for the UN to exercise its leadership role in global governance and actively enforce international law and human rights standards for all and not merely a select few.

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