UN General Assembly
2012

“Major forums, such as the Group of 20, of which industrialized countries make up the majority, and the World Trade Organization have, for their part, discussed several times the question of the global economy and outlined solutions that could re-establish an overall balance. But it has to be said that, given the scale of the task, the lack of available resources and the difficulties that major countries themselves are having to face, the discussions have not always been followed by action. From that standpoint, the international community seems to be going through a period of doubt and concern. Every one of us is aware that urgent and large-scale action is required, but, preoccupied with our own problems, we seem to be in a state of paralysis and unable to take the decisions that need to be taken. “The obvious risk is one of a return to protectionism — a temptation that is already evident. If we believe the signs, that could only bring temporary respite and in time could exacerbate the recession. African countries, and Cameroon