The event was celebrated on Wednesday October 24 at the Ministry of External Relations.
Cameroon yesterday, October 24, 2012 joined the other 192 members of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the UN during an event attended by some members of government, heads of UN Agencies in Cameroon, members of the diplomatic corps and a cross section of the population.
The Minister of External Relations, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo delivered a keynote address during the celebration with focus on efforts Cameroon is making to ensure the rule of law as a means of attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The event was celebrated under the theme, “All united for the promotion of the rule of law at the national and international levels in view of attaining the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.” The Minister stated efforts Cameroon is making to respect the rule of law, citing government policy of inclusion to get everyone on board by ensuring the equality of all citizens. He singled out the increasing efforts to protect and promote the rights of women, taking into consideration their needs in public decisions. More women are being promoted to decision-making positions, the recent example being the appointment of Zongo née Nyambone Antoinette as Senior Divisional Officer of Koung-Khi Division and Rachel Ngazang Akono, the Secretary General of the East Region. Moukoko Mbonjo also stated ongoing efforts to ensure the greater participation of the population in institutions through the decentralisation process, electoral and judicial reforms. The country, the minister said, supports the measures of the international community in promoting the rule of law. As for the MDGs, he said, “Cameroon holds the view that the establishment of a Global Partnership for Development- the number eight Millennium Development Goal-is an exceptional decision, as it is necessary for the achievements of all the others.”
The acting Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Cameroon, Charlotte Faty Ndiaye read the message of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon in which he declared, “ On this UN Day, let us reaffirm our individual commitment and our collective resolve to live up to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and build a better world for all.”
The event also characterised by the visit of picture exhibitions on the Cameroon –UN cooperation, was spiced by musical interludes. The UN Day celebration was the culmination of activities that included sporting competitions, educative talks and dialogue between the UN System and government on privileges and immunities to the UN System officials.
