Development and environmental actors in Cameroon convened in Yaounde on September 17, 2026, to discuss ways to boost sustainable environmental development, particularly in the blue and green economies. The thematic café, chaired by Minister Hele Pierre, united several organs of the United Nations Organization (UNO) in Cameroon and representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED). The meeting aimed to explore new pathways for collaboration between MINEPDED and the United Nations system through the One UN Approach.
The meeting highlighted the importance of a collaborative front in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Participants emphasized that these issues are too complex for a single institution to solve alone, making technical and financial partnerships between the government and the United Nations system crucial. MINEPDED's boss, Hele Pierre, edified the forum on the relevance of the collaboration, stating that the environmental agenda is not only an imperative but also a development opportunity to mobilize and disburse funds for climate resilience, green and blue economy, clean energy, and climate finance.
Hele Pierre added that the initiative marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of the future 2027-2031 cooperation framework among all stakeholders committed to a sustainable ecological transition in Cameroon. This framework aims to strengthen sustainable development and address environmental challenges through collaborative efforts. The Minister's remarks underscored the need for a coordinated approach to environmental development, highlighting the role of climate finance in achieving sustainable development goals.
Issa Sanogo, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in Cameroon, also addressed the forum, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between MINEPDED and the United Nations system. Sanogo highlighted the need for a cohesive approach to address environmental challenges, stressing that the One UN Approach would facilitate a more effective and efficient response to these challenges. The Resident Coordinator's remarks reinforced the commitment of the United Nations system to supporting Cameroon's sustainable development efforts.
The thematic café provided a platform for participants to discuss and explore new pathways for collaboration between MINEPDED and the United Nations system. The meeting demonstrated the commitment of development and environmental actors in Cameroon to addressing environmental challenges through collaborative efforts. By emphasizing the importance of climate finance, the participants highlighted the need for increased investment in sustainable development initiatives.
The collaboration between MINEPDED and the United Nations system is expected to yield positive results in the implementation of sustainable development projects in Cameroon. The One UN Approach will facilitate a more coordinated and effective response to environmental challenges, leveraging the strengths of both parties. This partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Cameroon's sustainable development efforts, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, green and blue economy, and clean energy.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from development and environmental actors in Cameroon to work collaboratively towards sustainable environmental development. The emphasis on climate finance and the One UN Approach underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to addressing environmental challenges. As Cameroon moves forward with the implementation of the 2027-2031 cooperation framework, the partnership between MINEPDED and the United Nations system is expected to play a critical role in achieving sustainable development goals.
Key points
- Cameroon development and environmental actors stress collaborative efforts for sustainable development
- Thematic café highlights importance of climate finance in achieving sustainable development goals
- One UN Approach to facilitate coordinated response to environmental challenges
