Cameroonian peacebuilder and humanitarian leader Dr. Esther Omam has reached another major milestone in her career after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Diplomacy and Conflict Management and receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and International Business Management within the space of one month.
The two international recognitions celebrate both her academic achievements and nearly three decades of service in peacebuilding, humanitarian action, women's empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development.
Dr. Omam completed her PhD at Selinus University of Sciences and Literature, where her research focused on conflict resolution and diplomacy. She later received the Honorary Doctorate from Universal Blockchain University, Florida, USA, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and lasting contribution to peacebuilding, women's leadership, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The honorary degree was conferred during the SDG Summit Cameroon 2026, in the presence of government officials, traditional authorities and development partners. The award was presented on behalf of Universal Blockchain University by Professor Yota Louis Fomba, alongside representatives of the Governor's Office of the Littoral Region, the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri and the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts.
According to the organisers, the two honours complement each other. While the PhD recognises Dr. Omam's academic contribution to diplomacy, conflict management and peace studies, the honorary doctorate acknowledges the practical impact of her leadership and humanitarian work across Cameroon and beyond.
Her doctoral thesis, titled "The Indispensable Role of Women in Conflict Resolution: The Case of Cameroon's Anglophone Crisis," examined the important role women play in promoting lasting peace.
The study analysed women's participation in peace processes, identified the challenges limiting their involvement and proposed practical recommendations for policymakers, lawmakers, security institutions and development partners.
The research contributes to global discussions on women, peace and security by highlighting the need for greater inclusion of women in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
Beyond her academic work, Dr. Omam has become one of Cameroon's most recognised voices in humanitarian action and peacebuilding.
For nearly 30 years, she has led programmes that promote dialogue, social cohesion, women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, good governance and community resilience. Through Reach Out Cameroon and several national and international initiatives, she has supported vulnerable communities, mentored young people and women entrepreneurs, and championed peaceful solutions to conflicts.
The honorary doctorate also recognises her efforts in building strong institutions, mentoring future leaders and promoting enterprise as a pathway to economic growth and sustainable peace.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Omam expressed gratitude for both recognitions, saying they represent years of dedication, sacrifice 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.
She dedicated the awards to women, young people, humanitarian workers, entrepreneurs and peacebuilders who continue to make a difference despite difficult circumstances.
Dr. Omam also challenged African leaders to invest more in developing people and creating opportunities.
"Africa's greatest resource is not beneath our soil but within our people. We must move from dependence to enterprise, from waiting for opportunities to creating them, and from individual success to collective prosperity," she said.
Dr. Omam currently serves as Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon, Managing Director of Kites & Others, and holds several leadership positions in regional and international peacebuilding and women's empowerment networks. She is also a member of the UN Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund Board, Country Chair of the G100 Mentoring and Motivation Wing Cameroon, Vice Chair of the Continental Network of Women Business Associations in Africa (CONWOBAA), and founder of the Community Women Peace Mediators (COWOPEM) initiative.
Observers say the two international honours not only recognise Dr. Omam's personal achievements but also highlight Cameroon's growing contribution to global efforts in peacebuilding, diplomacy, humanitarian action and sustainable development.
The awards reaffirm her commitment to promoting ethical leadership, inclusive development, entrepreneurship and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through dialogue, innovation and service to humanity.
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