Former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang has officially taken on the presidency of the General Assembly, delivering a strong call for international cooperation to address critical global challenges, including climate change, poverty, and conflicts. Yang, who served as Cameroon’s prime minister from 2009 to 2019, outlined his vision for the year ahead during his inaugural address on Tuesday.
Speaking to the 193-member assembly, Yang acknowledged the growing skepticism around nations’ ability to work together in these uncertain times but emphasized that collective efforts remain the most effective means of tackling the world’s most pressing issues. “Despite doubts, we must prove that international collaboration is the strongest tool we have to confront the deep, borderless problems we face,” Yang said.
Yang’s presidency is expected to focus on fostering unity among nations, with “unity in diversity” being the guiding principle of his term. He underscored that peace and security will be central priorities, with many conflict zones requiring urgent attention.
In particular, Yang called for the Assembly to prioritize conflict resolution in regions such as the Gaza Strip, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Great Lakes region in Africa. He urged member states to focus on sustainable peace, stressing that these long-standing crises demand concrete solutions.
Outgoing Assembly President Dennis Francis also addressed the session, urging the organization to stay true to its mission of promoting global peace and security. He highlighted the immense human suffering caused by conflicts and warned that without swift action, millions more could fall into poverty and hunger by 2030. Francis’ remarks served as a reminder of the heavy responsibilities the Assembly faces in the year ahead.
In his own remarks, the Secretary-General pointed to the difficulties of the past year, including rising inequality, persistent conflict, and the escalating climate crisis, with 2023 being recorded as the hottest year on record. Yet, he struck a hopeful tone, expressing optimism that progress can still be made through collaboration. “This session begins with both immense challenges and growing hope for what we can achieve together,” the Secretary-General noted.
Yang’s presidency is set to be tested early as he prepares to chair the upcoming Future Summit on September 22-23, where world leaders will gather to discuss multilateral action on key global issues. The summit is also expected to explore reforms to global institutions, many of which were established after World War II.
Following the summit, the Assembly will hold its annual general debate from September 24 to 30, with heads of state from across the globe delivering public addresses. Private meetings between leaders will also take place, often shaping the course of international relations for the coming year.
As the first Cameroonian to lead the General Assembly, Yang’s leadership comes at a critical time, with high expectations for the Assembly to act decisively on issues ranging from peace and security to climate change. His presidency is anticipated to play a key role in shaping the global agenda over the next twelve months.
African nations will closely watch Yang’s leadership, particularly given his focus on conflicts affecting the continent, including in the Great Lakes region. The international community is hopeful that under Yang’s guidance, the Assembly can rise to meet the formidable challenges ahead.