Cameroonian peacebuilder, humanitarian, entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate Dr. Esther Omam has received two international academic distinctions within one month, recognizing her contributions to peacebuilding, leadership and sustainable development.
After completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Diplomacy and Conflict Management from Selinus University of Sciences and Literature, Dr. Omam was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Leadership and International Business Management by Universal Blockchain University, Florida, USA.
The honorary doctorate was conferred during the SDG Summit Cameroon 2026 in Douala in the presence of government officials, including representatives of the Governor of the Littoral Region, the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri, and the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts.
The two honours recognize different aspects of Dr. Omam’s career. While the PhD acknowledges her academic research in diplomacy and conflict management, the honorary doctorate celebrates nearly three decades of leadership in peacebuilding, humanitarian action, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development.
Her doctoral thesis, The Indispensable Role of Women in Conflict Resolution: The Case of Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis, examines women’s participation in peace processes, identifies barriers to their inclusion and proposes recommendations to strengthen women’s role in conflict resolution and sustainable peace.
Speaking after receiving the honorary doctorate, Dr. Omam described the awards as recognition of both scholarship and service.
“The earned PhD represents years of research, sacrifice and scholarship, while the Honorary Doctorate reflects the confidence that others have placed in my leadership and service,” she said, dedicating the honours to women, young people, humanitarian workers, entrepreneurs and peacebuilders.
She also urged African leaders to invest in people and entrepreneurship, saying the continent’s greatest resource is its human capital.
Dr. Omam serves as Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and holds several regional and international leadership positions focused on peacebuilding, women’s leadership and humanitarian action. The latest recognitions underscore her continued contribution to advancing sustainable development, ethical leadership and inclusive peace in Cameroon and beyond.
