The former Prime Minister of Cameroon has been elected President of the 79th session of the General Assembly of the international organisation, succeeding Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has elected Philemon Yang as President of the 79th session. The schedule to take place on September 10 at UN headquarters in New York. Philemon Yang will then take over Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, who presided over the 78th session. Following his election, the Secretary General of the organisation, Antonio Guterres congratulated the cameroonian.

The former Prime Minister of Cameroon declared: “Beyond our differences and our diversity, we must act together in a spirit of unity to promote peace, to ensure that there is no war, and to prevent disasters.”

This statement has great resonance at a time when the world is facing many global challenges, and he also stressed the importance of acting for sustainable development, shared prosperity, harmony with nature and wise management of resources. “Let us work for an environment where abundant resources can and must be consumed with moderation and wisdom, taking corrective and transitional measures to ensure that present and future generations can continue to benefit from them, promoting human dignity everywhere, for all and in all our countries, and working for greater freedom,” he added.

The President of the General Assembly heads a Bureau composed of 21 Vice-Presidents and the Chairpersons of six Main Committees. His main task is to coordinate the work of the committees and the plenary session. The President opens and closes each plenary session, directs discussions, ensures the application of the Rules of Procedure and gives the floor. He may also make recommendations to the Assembly on the agenda.