Philemon Yang of Cameroon was elected President of the upcoming General Assembly session
President-elect Yang also served as Chairman of the African Union’s distinguished African Council, demonstrating “unrelenting dedication” to the principles of peace, sustainable development and human dignity, said Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly.
“His steadfast leadership is also characterized by a consistent commitment to dialogue, cooperation and inclusion. – principles that are absolutely necessary to guide the work of the General Assembly.”
With the world facing many complex challenges, Mr. Francis emphasized the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation.
He called on all member states to work together – and work harder – to ensure no one is left behind.
“With the leadership of His Excellency Philemon Yang, I am confident that the General Assembly will respond to this challenge with courage and compassion,” he added.
Topic of the 79th session
At an informal dialogue with members of the National Assembly in May, then-candidate Yang highlighted his theme at the 79th session as “unity in diversity, for peaceful progress, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone everywhere”.
Speaking to journalists after the election, he reiterated that diversity “is part of life.”
“I firmly believe that through dialogue, through consensus, talking together and looking towards the future together, we can solve the problemhe say.
The 79th session of the General Assembly will summon on September 10, with the agency’s high-level general debate beginning on September 24, 2024.
Secretary General António Guterres (center) congratulates Mr. Philemon Yang of Cameroon, President-elect of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
A challenging time: Guterres
Congratulations to the President-elect of the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres recognizes the challenges facing the global community.
“Conflicts continue to erupt. The climate disaster is deepening. Poverty and inequality are rampant. Mistrust and division are pulling people apart. The Sustainable development goals is significantly lost. And developing countries will not have the support they need to invest in their people.”
Mr. Guterres urged everyone not to lose sight of the common goal of a more peaceful and sustainable world.
He acknowledged the leadership of National Assembly Speaker Francis, adding that like him, president-elect Yang will also play an important role.
“He brings an important voice to this Hall. He has a wealth of experience representing his country as a diplomat and civil servant… He is also a proud African and dedicated to the future of the continent mine,” Mr. Guterres said, adding that he looked forward to working with Mr. Yang.
