Cameroon’s ex-prime minister, Philemon Yang, assumed the presidency of the U.N. General Assembly, urging countries to unite in addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty. Yang emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling these issues during his one-year term, focusing on the principles of unity in diversity and prioritizing peace and security. He highlighted the need to resolve conflicts in various regions, including Gaza, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Great Lakes region in Africa.
The outgoing General Assembly President, Dennis Francis, called on the United Nations to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security in the face of widespread human suffering and poverty. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the importance of collaboration among nations, noting the challenges of poverty, inequality, and conflict, particularly amidst the hottest year on record. Guterres expressed optimism in the potential for progress through unity and solidarity.
Yang is set to lead the upcoming gathering of world leaders at the General Assembly, starting with the Summit of the Future to promote multilateral action on global issues and reforming international institutions like the United Nations. Following the summit, leaders will convene for their annual global meeting, featuring public speeches and private discussions aimed at addressing a wide array of global concerns and fostering cooperation among nations.
