70TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
(New York, 15 September - 25 December 2015)
High-level Meeting to Adopt the Post-2015 Development Agenda
Statement by H.E. Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon, read by Mr. Pierre MOUKOKO MBONJO, Minister of External Relations
New York, 26 September 2015
Mr President,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This session has witnessed the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda which will replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
A year ago, Cameroon clearly expressed support for a "transformative" agenda that prioritizes the elimination of poverty and hunger, as well as sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It is hoped that the new agenda proposed to us and based on such priorities will live up to its promises.
However, we should examine why the outcomes of actions undertaken within the preceding framework have fallen short of the Millennium Development Goals. Were we too ambitious? Were the prevailing circumstances too adverse? Or was political will lacking?
Whatever the case, it must be acknowledged that the hopes raised at inception by the MDGs have partly been shattered. Instead of discouraging us, this rather gloomy assessment should encourage us to join forces and to own the 2030 Agenda slogan, namely "Transforming our World". Obviously, this lofty goal can only be achieved through sustainable development. To that end, it should be the expression of the needs and hopes of the populations concerned. Cameroon has been working relentlessly towards achieving that goal by implementing a social inclusion policy which seeks to leave no one behind.
After existing for 70 years, at the end of which the general feeling is that the United Nations has performed its duty, it is appropriate to ponder whether it is not time for it to open a new chapter in its actions at the service of the international community.
2
Although Agenda 2030, as I believe, provides an opportunity for a “renewed commitment to peace, security and respect for human rights”, I have no iota of doubt that the United Nations will have the support of almost all its Member States.
Indeed, a quick overview of the international situation would show that recent global developments in terms of the balance of power and major challenges of our time, call for the “renewed commitment” of the international community. We can hail the nuclear agreement reached between the major powers and Iran, the détente between the United States and Cuba, the awareness of the dangers of global warming, and better understanding of the requirements of sustainable development. However, there is every reason to worry about the spread of terrorism, the inability to control migration flows, and global economic instability since the 2007-2008 crisis.