Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, on Thursday January 8, 2026, used the traditional New Year exchange with the Diplomatic Corps to reaffirm his country’s commitment to multilateralism, international solidarity and the pursuit of lasting global peace, against the backdrop of a fragile and conflict-ridden international environment.
Speaking at the Unity Palace in Yaoundé, President Biya expressed gratitude to the Dean and members of the Diplomatic Corps for their New Year wishes to him and the Cameroonian people, while reflecting on Cameroon’s recent diplomatic achievements on the global stage.
A key highlight of the address was Cameroon’s successful completion, on September 9, of its mandate as President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. President Biya credited the achievement to the “backing and support of the entire international community,” thanking the governments and institutions represented in Cameroon for their cooperation.
“In a particularly challenging international environment, Cameroon continued during its term to work with conviction to strengthen multilateralism and international solidarity,” the Head of State said, noting that tangible progress had been made in reinforcing the international system’s ability to respond to contemporary global challenges.
He pointed to the unanimous adoption of the Pact for the Future in September 2024, alongside the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, as major milestones. President Biya also welcomed the July 2025 adoption in Yaoundé of the Declaration on a Sustainable Blue Economy, following an international conference hosted by Cameroon.
The President further underscored advances made during Cameroon’s UN General Assembly presidency on the long-standing issue of reforming the United Nations Security Council, a matter of particular concern to developing and African countries.
Despite these gains, President Biya painted a sober picture of the current global situation, citing terrorism, repeated violations of state sovereignty, the erosion of international law, and the multiplication of crises and conflicts worldwide. He warned that continued reliance on violence risked undermining the very foundations of the international system.
Reiterating an appeal he has made in the past, President Biya called for dialogue and reconciliation, stressing that “the path of arms and violence is, very often, a dead end.” He argued that lasting and just peace, “the only true guarantee for the survival of humanity”, could not be achieved through war.
In this regard, he emphasized the central role of the United Nations. He pledged to continue advocating for a stronger, better-resourced global body capable of fulfilling its mandate in the service of humanity.
Looking ahead, President Biya reaffirmed Cameroon’s unwavering commitment to development, peace and harmony among peoples. He announced that the country will host the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization later this year, describing it as another opportunity to promote multilateralism at a time when unilateral tendencies are on the rise.
The Head of State concluded by praising the quality of cooperation between Cameroon and its international partners, assuring diplomats of his country’s determination to deepen these ties in a spirit of mutual trust and respect. He extended New Year wishes to members of the Diplomatic Corps and their families, while asking them to convey his greetings to the authorities they represent.
The ceremony marked the first major diplomatic engagement of the year at the Unity Palace, setting the tone for Cameroon’s international engagement in 2026.
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