Accra: Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa is leading the South African delegation to the High-Level Consultative Conference on the African Union-led United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/80/250 on the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
According to South African Government News Agency, the conference, taking place in Accra, Ghana, is set to commence on Thursday, 18 June 2026. It aims to deliberate and adopt outcomes that will advance the implementation of the UNGA Resolution, including the creation of a global post-adoption framework for its implementation.
The Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation stated that the high-level conference will gather Heads of State and Government, Ministers, global reparations experts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society representatives, and delegates from regional and international organizations. The event is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
South Africa has expressed its support for the conference, emphasizing the importance of reparatory justice for Africa and People of African Descent. The country highlights that this should be connected to a broader development agenda addressing the socio-economic impacts of the transatlantic slave trade, such as debt burdens, poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
The Ministry also noted South Africa's endorsement of the proposed Global Strategic Framework's key principles, which incorporate years of work by the African Union to promote historical justice, restitution, and sustainable development for affected communities.
The conference is seen as a critical platform for advancing global dialogue and reaching consensus on practical measures that can support restorative justice and equitable development outcomes for Africa and the African diaspora.
South Africa anticipates constructive discussions and a successful outcome that will enhance the implementation of the Resolution and further the African Union's longstanding position on reparatory justice.