Cameroon and the United Nations: Building the Next Cooperation Framework Together

In November 2025, Yaoundé became the stage for an important moment in Cameroon’s journey toward sustainable development. For four days, from 11 to 14 November, government officials, United Nations representatives, technical experts, and partners gathered to co design the future: the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2027–2031).

This was not just another workshop. It was the culmination of months of strategic dialogue between the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT). The shared objective was clear: the new Cooperation Framework must be transformative, results-oriented, and fully aligned with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the broader UN reform agenda.Together, they agreed that the new framework must be more than a list of activities—it must be a transformative instrument, aligned with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND30) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A Workshop of Purpose and Preparation

The atmosphere was one of focus and collaboration. Thanks to careful robust preparatory work—including methodological tools, templates, analytical reviews, and cross analysis of key documents evaluation findings—the participants were able to focus could concentrate on substance rather than process. Discussions were guided by core principles: Guided by principles of human rights, gender equality, leaving no one behind, and the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus humanitarian development peace nexus, the discussions flowed with clarity and purpose and Results-based management. The emphasis was placed on coherence, joint ownership, and measurable impact.

Facing the Realities

The workshop addressed structural challenges candidly, including The workshop did not shy away from hard truths. Presentations highlighted persistent challenges:

•Slow industrialization and limited job creation, especially for youth.

•Gaps between education and labor market needs.

•Weak accountability and coordination in governance.

 The evaluation of the 2022–2026 Cooperation Framework highlighted important lessons: while progress was achieved, coherence, joint programming, and accountability mechanisms required strengthening.

The conclusion was clear—this new cycle must be different Lessons from the evaluation of the 2022–2026 Cooperation Framework were also candid: while progress was made, coherence and joint ownership needed strengthening. The message was clear—this time, the framework must be built differently.

Defining the Strategic Priorities

By the end of the workshop, a shared vision had emerged. Three strategic priorities were validated as the pillars of the new framework:

1.Human Capital, Social Inclusion, and Community Resilience – ensuring equitable access to health, education, and social protection.

2.Economic Transformation, Food Systems, Decent Jobs, Climate and Clean Energy – driving competitiveness, diversification, and a green transition that creates opportunities for youth and women.

3.Governance, Peace, Stability, and Development Leadership – strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrated approaches to peace and development.

 Each priority was anchored in a Theory of Change and linked to a forthcoming Result Framework, ensuring clarity on expected results, indicators, baselines, and accountability mechanisms.

4. Particular attention was given to vulnerable groups—youth, women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons—ensuring their centrality in programming. Each priority was anchored in a Theory of Change, mapping challenges to expected results, and identifying vulnerable groups—youth, women, persons with disabilities, internally displaced people—as central beneficiaries.

Looking Ahead

As the workshop closed, there was a sense of convergence. Government and UN representatives stood united in their commitment to finalize the framework, develop a robust performance measurement system, and translate the theories of change into Joint Work Plans that will deliver tangible results on the ground.

The workshop demonstrated that when Government, the UN, and partners work together with clarity and ambition, transformation becomes achievable.

The UN Cooperation Framework 2027–2031 will be more than a plan. It will be a promise: to build resilience, foster inclusion, and ensure that no one is left behind on Cameroon’s journey toward emergence.