UNITED NATIONS IN ACTION IN CAMEROON

I am delighted to share with you this maiden edition of our quarterly newsletter “United Nations in Action in Cameroon”, which provides a glimpse into the work of the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Cameroon. In the past few months, we have had several exciting initiatives and engagements that demonstrate our continued commitment to partnership as we strive to serve the people of Cameroon, through our support to government’s efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).In 2015, world leaders came together to agree upon a visionary plan - the Sustainable Development Goals - a roadmap aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and protect our planet. As we find ourselves at the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda, it is a critical moment for reflection, and more importantly, for action. Inspired by the vision of Cameroon’s Head of State to make Cameroon “an emerging country, democratic and united in its diversity” by 2035, the country is working toward achieving the SDGs as outlined in it National Development Strategy 2030 (SND 30) to ensure peace, prosperity for people, and the planet.

During my visit to Far North on October 2023, I evaluated the humanitarian situation, the needs of the most vulnerable populations in terms of protection and aid, and the response being implemented in the Far North region to support the government’s action.

In June 2023, the UN system held its third structured political dialogue with the government, which established the framework for improved collaboration with the coordination mechanisms in the recovery plans, and further established the UN as Cameroon’s strategic partner in the development and recovery of crisis-affected regions. 

This rich and productive partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Cameroon was emphasized during celebrations marking the 78th United Nations Day. We discussed achievements and opportunities, shared ideas, and reaffirmed our commitment to advancing, and accelerating, Cameroon’s development priorities. 

We believe that by collaborating closely with the government, civil society, private sector, and development partners, and other stakeholders, we can help build a better future for all Cameroonians. 

We will keep looking for creative ways to use our knowledge, experience, and comparative advantage to advance the SDGs and deliver national development priorities more quickly in line with the National Development Strategy 2030 (SND 30) and the Vision 2035 of the President of the Republic. 

We are committed to helping Cameroon achieve its development goals and making sure that nobody is left behind (LNOB) on the principles of our cooperation framework. 

The United Nations System in Cameroon thus stands in solidarity with the Cameroonian people and is committed to supporting the national response to the challenges and priorities of development. With this in mind, I would like to express my gratitude to the Heads of Agencies and all our staff for their dedication and their outpouring of solidarity for the people of Cameroon. I encourage them to continue their efforts, so that together, in the “One UN” spirit, we can overcome the challenges and deliver development priorities for the country.

We wish you a pleasant reading.

We hope you will have a prosperous, peaceful Year 2024.

Coulibaly SIAKA, 

UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, 

Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim,