By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – President Paul Biya has reiterated Cameroon’s commitment to multilateralism, international solidarity and global peace, warning that rising conflicts and the erosion of international law pose a serious threat to the stability of the world order.
The Head of State was speaking on January 8 during the traditional ceremony to receive New Year’s wishes from members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Cameroon at the Unity Palace in Yaounde.
Addressing the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and foreign representatives, President Biya expressed gratitude for the warm wishes extended to him and to the Cameroonian people for the year 2026. He also thanked the international community for its support during Cameroon’s tenure as President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which ended on September 9.
According to the President, Cameroon’s leadership of the UN General Assembly occurred in a particularly challenging international environment, marked by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. Despite these challenges, he said Cameroon worked with determination to strengthen multilateralism and international solidarity.
“We can honestly give ourselves a pat on the back for the progress we achieved together in placing the international system in a better position to respond to today’s global challenges,” Biya said.
He highlighted the adoption of the Pact for the Future on September 22, 2024, along with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, as major achievements of Cameroon’s presidency of the General Assembly. President Biya noted that the documents were unanimously acclaimed and reflected the collective will of the international community to address emerging global challenges.
The Head of State also praised the adoption in Yaounde, in July 2025, of the Declaration on a Sustainable Blue Economy following an international conference hosted by Cameroon. He said the initiative underscored the country’s commitment to sustainable development and the protection of shared global resources.
On institutional reforms, President Biya stated that Cameroon’s term at the helm of the UN General Assembly facilitated continued advocacy for reform of the United Nations Security Council, an issue of particular concern to developing and African countries. He described the progress made in this area as a source of satisfaction.
However, President Biya warned that despite international efforts, the world continues to face terrorism, repeated violations of state sovereignty, and a decline in respect for international law. He said the proliferation of conflicts, with their devastating human and material costs, threatens development and the well-being of populations worldwide.
“If we continue down this path, there is every reason to fear that the international system… will ultimately collapse,” he cautioned.
Reiterating a call he has made in the past, President Biya urged the international community to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation over violence. He described war as a “dead end” and stressed that lasting and just peace can only be achieved through non-violent means.
He emphasised the responsibility of the United Nations in promoting peace and said he would continue to advocate for strengthening the organisation by providing it with the necessary resources and support to fulfil its mandate.
President Biya reaffirmed that Cameroon’s commitment to peace, development and harmony among peoples would not waver. He announced that Cameroon will host the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation later this year, describing it as another opportunity to promote multilateralism at a time when unilateral tendencies are growing.
The President also commended the quality of cooperation between Cameroon and its international partners, assuring diplomats of the country’s determination to further strengthen ties based on mutual trust and respect.
