Secretary General of the United Nations Organisation, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon and his spouse, Mrs. Ban Soon-Taek came, saw, shared, and left satisfied. The brief, but important visit was indeed significant considering what the UNO has meant to Cameroon since 1945 when the mandated territories east and west of the Mungo were renewed and became UN Trusteeships. Ever since that historic political transformation, the World Body has remained close to Cameroon in contacts and deeds which range from the organization of the 11 February 1960 plebiscite in Cameroon West of the Mungo, to mediations in the Bakassi land and maritime dispute with Nigeria. One of his predecessors, Dag Hammarskjold had on 1st January 1960 in Yaoundé harped on this cooperation trend when he declared to Cameroonians that their attainment of independence was a launch pad for socio-economic development. What a motivation to forge ahead!

H.E. Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Cameroon barely a fort-night after Cameroon’s magnificent launch of celebrations marking the independence and reunification of the former UN trusteeships, signifies his commitment to talks and deeds that ensure peace, stability and progress.

The involvement of the United Nations Organisation specialized agencies like the UNESCO, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF and the UNDP to mention but these few, are glaring proofs of action that gives meaning to membership, of an organization, like the UNO.

During his brief visit, the UN Scribe did not only meet and share with heads of the UN systems in the country, but also visited the neighbouring administrative Unit of Mbalmayo for an on-the-spot appraisal of UN sponsored projects in the domains of water supply and a community radio which focuses on poverty alleviation through mass education.

With the ongoing concern about climate change, nuclear arms reduction, terrorism, Africa’s demands for reforms within the World body, and request for membership of the Security Council, there is no doubt that in their talks at the Unity Palace, President Paul Biya and his august guest delved into these crucial issues. Such had been well-timed. For, at a time when mankind is threatened by calamities such as global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorism, and economic protectionists tendencies, leaders of peace-loving nations and peace keeping organizations cannot afford to sit on the fence.

Hence, as these leaders exploit their minds, energy and resources to talk cooperation and progress, we are all challenged to respond positively. Our global village demands the move toward changes for the better. But this can only be realized if there is continuous appraisal by committed citizens and institutions, followed by action aimed at reaping the best from events, be they commemorations, or official visits by statesmen and international diplomats.

The UN Secretary General’s visit to Cameron’s National Assembly, besides his trip to Mbalmayo and audience with President Biya is in line with this challenge to work with individuals as well as organisations, and the various realms of power. This authenticates the UN in its role of making and keeping peace through knowing the needs of member nations and seeking ways of coordinating action for peace, political stability and progress.