Former Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang has been elected as the president of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, set to commence in September. The election took place on Thursday, June 6th.
In his acceptance speech, Yang expressed « sincere gratitude » to the member states for their support. He emphasized his commitment to leading the General Assembly with integrity and dedication.
Dennis Francis, the current president of the General Assembly, extended his « wholehearted » congratulations to Yang, commending his election as a positive step for the international community.
Philemon Yang’s election marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the 12th African to preside over the UN General Assembly since its inception in 1945. The first African to hold this esteemed position was Ghanaian-born Alex Quaison-Sackey in 1964.
Yang’s leadership is anticipated to bring a unique perspective to the Assembly, reflecting his extensive experience in governance and diplomacy. His tenure is expected to focus on addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation among member states.