Pre- Conference of “UN Summit for the Future”

The Two days pre- conference for the Preparation of the Summit for the future took place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, at the Hall of Acts, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the 12 to the 13th of September 2024.

This brought together government officials (including Ministers and Directors at the Ministry), international organizations, civil society groups, and key stakeholders to address critical global challenges and prepare for the “UN Summit of the Future” and Teenalive association was invited to represent the voices of the youths towards the success of the upcoming summit in New-Yock

The event opened with keynote addresses from key figures, including the Country Director of Plan International, Mrs. Cat Tully, Founding Director of the School of International Future (SOIF), and the UN Resident Coordinator in Cameroon. The inaugural session underscored the importance of global cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and safeguarding future generations. A cultural interlude and the official opening speech by H.E. MBELLA MBELLA, Minister of External Relations of Cameroon, set the tone for the discussions.

The morning session featured an inaugural lesson delivered by Mrs. Sophie Howe, Wales’ first Future Generations Commissioner from UK, titled “Mobilizing Government and Society for Future Generations”. The first interactive dialogue, moderated by the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT), focused on transforming global governance and turbocharging the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Discussions explored the strengthening of the UN’s human rights pillar, international financial architecture, and sustainable development financing.

The afternoon sessions pivoted to global peace and security, with a specific focus on the role of women in peacebuilding, the importance of parliamentary scrutiny, led by Mrs. Cat Tully Director of SOIF and long-term governance strategies for future generations. Mr. Ngalim Eugine Nyufine director of Cameroon Youths and Forum for Peace also examined disarmament efforts in Cameroon, with presentations from local experts and civil society leaders.

Day 2 focused on bridging the Digital Divide. The summit continued with as theme digital innovation, with a focus on reducing global and gender disparities in access to technology. This session, moderated by the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), and the session was handled by the chairman of the Telecommunication Regulatory Agency (TRA), Founder of More Women in Politics Mrs. Justine Diffo which talked on reducing global and gender disparities in capacities and access to reduce digital divide. The ministry of Post and Telecommunication highlighted how science, technology, and innovation can enhance policy-making and benefit more people.

The second half of the day focused on youth participation in global decision-making by the president of the Cameroon National Youth Council. Mrs Nancy Muigei had a talk on the expectations of Africans at the UN Summit of the Future particularly around sustainability, circular economies, and youth engagement.

The final day ended in football matches between teams from the UN, NGOs, diplomatic corps, and various ministries, showcasing the power of sports to unite communities around the global agenda.

This event marks a significant moment in Cameroon’s commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development, setting the stage for its contributions to the upcoming UN Summit of the Future.