Former Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, takes on the prestigious role of chairing the United Nations Assembly, marking a significant moment in his diplomatic career.
On Tuesday, the ex-Prime Minister of Cameroon was appointed as the president of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. He urged nations that are torn apart to unite and combat global issues ranging from poverty, climate change to conflict and armed violence.
Philemon Yang informed the 193-member global organization that there were concerns regarding nations working together to address current and urgent issues. Nevertheless, he asserted that “we must exhibit how international collaboration continues to be our most efficient means of resolving the profound and universal challenges we encounter.”
In his one-year presidency, Mr Yang – a previous diplomat and former prime minister of a West African nation between 2009 to 2019 – declared that he would establish the foundation on the values of diversity through unity. He emphasized that maintaining peace and security still remains as highly essential during his tenure.
Mr. Yang stated that he would recommend the Assembly to strongly commit towards giving priority in resolving conflicts such as Gaza Strip, Haiti and Ukraine’s ongoing issues, along with finding permanent solutions for the situation prevailing in African countries including Great Lakes region.
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Dennis Francis, the incumbent President of the General Assembly has appealed to the United Nations, an organization that emerged from World War II’s ruins. His call is for them to fulfill their responsibility of preserving global peace and safeguarding international security.
The ex-diplomat and ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago stated that the magnitude of human suffering caused by humans, which is being observed globally – particularly in Gaza along with other conflicts, cannot be overstated.
Francis cautioned that in present times, multitudes of individuals are subjected to extreme poverty and hopelessness. Moreover, he predicted that if we do not change course soon, countless others will encounter impoverishment and starvation by 2030.
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized that cooperation between countries is essential.
During the closure of the 78th session of the General Assembly, he described it as a tumultuous year characterized by rampant poverty, inequality, injustice, division and conflict. Moreover, he noted that this year had also recorded unprecedented temperatures making it one for history books.
“The UN chief stated that as this session concludes, there is increasing faith and motivation regarding the potential accomplishments we can make by collaborating.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Guterres initiated the 79th session of the Assembly by declaring to diplomats that “through a gradual process and various solutions, we have the ability to restore trust and confidence among each other; all while cooperating together in harmony.”
The upcoming Future Summit on September 22-23, organized by the Secretary-General to encourage collaborative efforts among world leaders towards addressing global concerns and transforming institutions established after World War II — such as the United Nations — will be led by Mr. Yang as its chairperson.
Following the summit, global leaders will convene for their customary gathering from September 24 to 30. In addition to public addresses delivered at the assembly, numerous private discussions pertaining to international affairs are anticipated.
