Cameroon: Diplomat Philemon Yang Elected 79th UN General Assembly Session President

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Former Cameroon Prime Minister Philemon Yang has been elected as the 79th United Nations, UN, General Assembly Session president, scoring a big victory for the Central African nation in the world’s diplomatic scene.

In a speech on Thursday, June 6, the president-elect Yang said that geopolitical tensions continue to fuel distrust among states and intensify an arms race. He added that conflicts are increasing in various regions of the world with an unbearable toll on civilians, and the "cases of Gaza and Ukraine are very painfully illustrative in this regard."

As President-elect Yang arrives to lead the seventy-ninth General Assembly, he does so at a challenging moment.  Conflicts continue to rage.  Climate catastrophe is deepening.  Poverty and inequality are rife.  Mistrust and division are pulling people apart.  The Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off-track. And developing countries are left without the support they need to invest in their people.

Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly said. "His steadfast leadership has also been characterized by a consistent commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and inclusivity – principles that are essential for guiding the General Assembly's work."

The 79th session of the General Assembly will convene on 10 September, with the body’s high-level general debate starting on 24 September 2024.

At an informal dialogue with Assembly members in May, then-candidate Yang, highlighted his theme for the 79th session as "unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere.”

A vital voice to the UN Hall

With the world confronting multiple, complex challenges, Mr. Francis emphasized the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation. He urged all Member States to work together - and work harder - to ensure nobody is left behind.

“With His Excellency Philemon Yang at the helm, I am confident that the General Assembly will rise to the occasion to meet this challenge with courage and compassion,” he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “He brings a vital voice to this Hall.  He has a wealth of experience representing his country as a diplomat and public servant, as well as his work with the African Union and at the highest levels of Government — including as Prime Minister of Cameroon.”

Guterres urged everyone not to lose sight of the collective objective of a more peaceful and sustainable world. He acknowledged the leadership of Assembly President Francis, adding that like him, president-elect Yang will also play an important role.

“He is also a proud African dedicated to the future of his continent.  African countries like Cameroon are bursting with potential.  Realizing this potential requires rallying around African countries — and indeed, supporting developing countries around the world,” Antonia Guterres added.

“I look forward to working closely with him as he unites the Member States around collaborative solutions that can deliver justice to Africa and the developing world. Across all of this important work, this Assembly and its President can count on my full support. The United Nations General Assembly stands as a unique and vital body in a divided and troubled world, and we must all commit ourselves to its success in the time ahead.”

The assembly also elected five non-permanent members of the Security Council for a two-year term from January 2025. Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia were elected from candidates representing each region of the world. Pakistan will replace Japan as a representative of the Asia-Pacific next year.

About Philemon Yang

Ambassador Philemon Yang is a seasoned diplomat with a track record of experience. Internally, he served as Prime Minister, Head of Government, from 2009 to 2019. In this capacity, he represented the Head of State at various important high-level regional and international meetings. He has held other important government positions, including Vice-Minister of Territorial Administration (1975-1979), Minister of Mines and Energy (1979-1984), and Minister, Deputy Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic (2004-2009).

Since 2020 he has been serving as the Grand Chancellor of National Orders at the Presidency of the Republic. Internationally, Mr. Philemon Yang served as Cameroon's High Commissioner to Canada (1984-2004), where for 14 years he doubled as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. He has led Cameroonian delegations to high-level economic summits in Washington D.C, London, New Delhi and several other capitals.

At the African level, he took part in various sessions of the African Union (AU) Conference of Heads of State and Government, including the Summit on the institutional reform of the African Union. He has held the position of Chairperson of the Panel of Eminent Africans of the African Union, since February 2020. This Panel is, among other things, responsible for examining candidacies for important positions within the African Union, such as those of African Union Commissioners.