Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has called on Liberians to take pride in their nation’s achievements and contributions to global peace and development as the country joined the world in marking the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations.
Speaking at a colorful ceremony held at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata City, Margibi County, President Boakai commended Liberia’s longstanding partnership with the United Nations and reminded citizens of the country’s historic role as one of the UN’s founding members in 1945.
“Liberians, you ought to be proud of yourselves. You’ve achieved a lot, but sometimes you don’t know,” the President said, urging citizens to reflect on Liberia’s progress and the contributions of Liberians who have served with distinction nationally and internationally.
The celebration, held under the national theme: “One Liberia, One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress,” brought together heads of UN agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, civil society, private sector leaders and youth representatives.
President Boakai described the UN as a “beacon of hope and cooperation,” reaffirming Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the values of peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Looking ahead to Liberia’s upcoming tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2026–2027), he pledged that the country would champion collective action on key global challenges including climate change, sustainable development, and conflict resolution.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to the UN mission and our belief in collective leadership for peace and progress,” the President said. He also underscored the importance of partnerships with regional bodies such as the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the Mano River Union, describing such cooperation as essential to achieving lasting peace and prosperity.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), President Boakai said Liberia will continue to prioritize education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and climate action to build a resilient and self-reliant nation. He extended appreciation to the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all partners for organizing the event and commended Liberia’s youth for their positive contributions to nation-building.
“Together, we will keep working towards a future of prosperity, stability, and sustainable development for everyone,” he said. “We wish the United Nations long life, and may our common pledge to global peace and human dignity endure for generations to come.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Ms. Christine N. Umutoni, reaffirmed the UN’s strong partnership with the Government and people of Liberia. She emphasized that the celebration was not only about the UN but also a recognition of the collective achievements of member states, particularly Liberia’s transformation from conflict to peace and inclusive development.
She hailed Liberia’s election to the UN Security Council as a sign of renewed trust and leadership, quoting President Boakai’s statement that “the label reads Liberia, but the seat belongs to Africa.” Ms. Umutoni also announced the soft launch of the United Nations Cooperation Framework (UNCF 2026–2030), jointly developed with the Government of Liberia and aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID 2025–2029). The framework will focus on human capital development, governance, economic transformation, and climate action.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti delivered a special message on behalf of the Government of Liberia (GoL), reaffirming Liberia’s historic commitment to the UN’s mission and values. She highlighted the country’s contributions to peacekeeping, humanitarian work, and global governance, noting that Liberia’s upcoming full term on the UN Security Council represents a major diplomatic milestone.
Madam Nyanti reflected on Liberia’s proud history at the UN, recalling that it was one of only four African nations to sign the UN Charter in 1945. She paid tribute to national figures such as Angie Brooks-Randolph, the first African woman to preside over the UN General Assembly, and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who once served as a UN Assistant Secretary-General.
UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Andy Brooks presented an overview of the UN Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), which he said was developed through extensive consultations with government, civil society, and development partners.
The framework, he explained, aligns fully with Liberia’s AAID and focuses on four flagship programs: EduSkills (education and skills training), adolescent girls’ empowerment, good governance and digitization, and economic development and climate-smart agriculture under the She Feeds Liberia initiative.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. Beng’yela Augustine Gang, Ambassador of Cameroon and Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, European Union Ambassador Nona Deprez delivered a special message commending the United Nations and Liberia for their continued partnership. She described the Booker Washington Institute, the event venue, as a symbol of self-reliance and empowerment, values shared by both the UN and Liberia.
Ambassador Deprez lauded the UN’s eight decades of global achievements in peace, human rights, and sustainable development, while acknowledging Africa’s foundational role in shaping the organization. She praised Liberia’s upcoming Security Council seat as evidence of the nation’s renewed diplomatic strength and commitment to multilateralism.
Quoting President Boakai’s recent remarks that diplomacy should serve “progress and cooperation, not competition,” Ambassador Deprez reaffirmed the Diplomatic Corps’ support for a stronger, more inclusive, and reformed United Nations, committed to peace, equality, and global solidarity.
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