WASHINGTON: Former Prime Minister of Cameroon Philemon Yang was elected "by acclamation" on Thursday as president of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will begin in September.
According to Anadolu Agency (AA), Yang expressed his "sincere gratitude" to the member states for their support in his election.
Dennis Francis, the current president of the General Assembly, "wholeheartedly" congratulated Yang on his election.
"As Prime Minister of his country, the Republic of Cameroon, and as Chairperson of the Panel of Eminent Africans of the African Union, as well as in his various roles including involvement at the UN, His Excellency Philemon Yang demonstrated unwavering dedication to the principles of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity," Francis said.
Stressing that the General Assembly remains a "preeminent and necessary" global forum for forging consensus, crafting solutions, and securing a brighter future, Francis added that he is confident the General Assembly will rise to the occasion to meet challenges during Yang's term.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, for his part, said that as President-elect, Yang arrives to lead the 79th General Assembly at a "challenging moment."Like his predecessor Francis, Guterres said, the president-elect will play an "important role" in achieving a more peaceful and sustainable world.
"He has a wealth of experience representing his country as a diplomat and public servant, as well as through his work with the African Union and at the highest levels of government, including as Prime Minister of Cameroon," Guterres added.
In accordance with the established regional rotation, the president of the 79th session must be elected from the Group of African States.
Following Uganda and Nigeria, Cameroon becomes the 13th African country to have a representative appointed as president of the General Assembly.– BERNAMA
