On September 26, 2026, Cameroon's Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella, delivered a speech on behalf of President Paul Biya at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The speech emphasized the importance of global cooperation, solidarity, and adherence to the UN Charter. Mbella Mbella expressed gratitude to the Assembly's President and the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for their dedication to the organization's ideals and principles.
The speech highlighted three pressing global challenges: restoring trust among nations, reconciling people and nations with multilateral institutions, and ensuring recent technological advancements benefit humanity. The Minister noted that despite progress in various areas, wars, conflicts, and humanitarian crises persist, and the world is witnessing a decline in international solidarity and multilateralism.
Mbella Mbella stressed the need to return to the spirit and foundations of the UN Charter, emphasizing that the organization's ideals and principles are essential for addressing current global challenges. He also underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, which is causing recurrent natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and forest fires, affecting populations worldwide.
The Minister reaffirmed Cameroon's commitment to working with the international community to address these challenges and meet the expectations of nations. He expressed support for the UN's initiative, "ONU 80," and other efforts that promote international cooperation and solidarity. Cameroon is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Mbella Mbella noted that despite remarkable efforts, progress remains to be made in achieving the SDGs. He emphasized that resources are available globally, but access and utilization need to be improved. The Minister called for the diligent implementation of commitments made in Seville in July 2025 regarding development financing.
The speech also highlighted the need for reforming the international financial architecture to provide a more equitable place for developing countries. Mbella Mbella urged the international community to consider development financing as an investment in stability, shared prosperity, and collective security, rather than an act of charity.
In conclusion, the Minister emphasized the importance of collective action to address global challenges and promote a more just and peaceful world. Cameroon's President Paul Biya's address to the UN General Assembly underscored the country's commitment to international cooperation, solidarity, and the principles of the UN Charter.
Key points
- The address emphasized the need to return to the spirit and foundations of the UN Charter.
- The Minister called for the diligent implementation of commitments made in Seville in July 2025 regarding development financing.
- Cameroon reaffirmed its commitment to working with the international community to address global challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
