President Cyril Ramaphosa is on an official visit to France from 10 to 12 July where he will hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and co-chair a key UNESCO education meeting focused on improving the quality of education.
The Presidency says Ramaphosa will also engage French business leaders during the visit and participate in the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood at the South African National Memorial in Longueval, northern France.
The commemoration honours South African soldiers who fought in the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916 and includes the laying of wreaths and the unveiling of a UNESCO plaque.
On Friday, at the invitation of UNESCO Director-General Professor Khaled El-Enany, Ramaphosa co-chaired the Leaders’ Meeting of the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 that focuses on quality education.
South Africa’s role as co-chair, according to the Presidency, reflects the country’s growing leadership in global education governance and the international community’s confidence in its contribution to advancing inclusive, equitable and quality education.
The meeting was expected to provide strategic political direction for strengthening resilient education systems and to endorse priorities for the global education agenda for 2026–2027.
It focused on strengthening the teaching profession, supporting foundational and lifelong learning, promoting inclusive digital transformation, and ensuring sustainable financing for education.
Following a meeting with Macron on Friday and a dinner hosted by the French President, Ramaphosa is expected to meet French business leaders on Saturday.
The Presidency described South Africa-France relations as comprehensive and productive, citing cooperation across areas including energy, science and technology, defence, trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, higher education and training, and health.
JN/APA