Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has described graduates of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute as Liberia’s “national asset,” charging them to represent the country with integrity, wisdom, and distinction on the global stage.
The Liberian leader made the statement on Wednesday at the 71st Graduation Ceremony of the prestigious Foreign Service Institute, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
“My dear graduates, the Foreign Service of Liberia represents a premier, though not exclusive, path for your exceptional talents,” President Boakai said. “The elite training you have received is far more than a vocational credential; it is a foundation for leadership across all sectors of global diplomacy. Whether you serve at any of our foreign missions, in international organizations, or in the private sector, your expertise is a national asset.”
He added, “From this day forward, you carry the mantle of a Liberian diplomat, empowered to represent our nation’s interests and values with integrity, wisdom, and distinction in every forum. Your journey does not end today—it begins anew.”
Largest Graduating Class in Institute’s History
The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, established in 1951, remains one of Liberia’s premier postgraduate diplomatic training centers. This year’s graduation saw 120 graduates, marking the largest number in the institution’s 74-year history.
The ceremony combined three major segments of the Institute’s programs: the 10-month Regular Academic Program, the Madam Suakoko Graduate Program for Female Diplomats, and the six-week Refresher and Orientation Program for elected and appointed officials and professionals.
Officials of the institute noted that the upgraded training modules and rebranding efforts come at a time when Liberia is poised to take up its new role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Boakai Urges Graduates to Champion Liberia’s Global Interests
President Boakai urged the graduates to champion Liberia’s interests globally—especially in attracting responsible investment in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology, while also advocating for the protection of Liberian citizens abroad and global action on climate change, which he said threatens coastal communities.
“The world you are about to enter is significantly different from that of your predecessors,” the President noted. “It is a landscape of interconnected crises and opportunities—climate change, economic instability, cybersecurity threats, and geopolitical tensions—all shaping the modern diplomatic environment.”
Four Pillars of Modern Diplomacy
President Boakai outlined four key pillars upon which the graduates should build their diplomatic careers.
He urged graduates to be advocates for Liberia’s Prosperity. He encouraged the new diplomats to go beyond traditional diplomacy and act as “economic diplomats par excellence,” promoting “Made in Liberia” products and creating partnerships that generate jobs for Liberians.
The President further stressed that graduates should be Architects of Peace and Regional Stability. The Liberian Leader reminded graduates of Liberia’s transformation from conflict to peace, urging them to promote regional integration and security through ECOWAS, the MRU, and the African Union.
He called on graduates to be Models of Integrity and Service. “The title Diplomat is one of great privilege,” Boakai emphasized, “but it is founded on trust—the trust of your government and, most importantly, the Liberian people. Reject the temptations of corruption in all its forms,” President Boakai said.
President Boakai urged graduates to be advocates for Liberia’s Prosperity. He encouraged the new diplomats to go beyond traditional diplomacy and act as “economic diplomats par excellence.”
He charged the graduates to align their service with his government’s ARREST Agenda, aimed at amplifying Liberia’s renewal and national transformation.
“You Now Bear the Responsibility of Shaping Liberia’s Character”
President Boakai invoked the words of Pan-Africanist Edward Wilmot Blyden, reminding the graduates that a nation’s greatness lies not in its size but in the character of its people.
“You now bear the responsibility of shaping Liberia’s character in the eyes of the world,” the President said. “Be diplomats who not only attend cocktail parties or report on events at the post but who bring tangible benefits to Liberia through transformative initiatives.”
Background
Founded in 1951, the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is named after Liberia’s former Secretary of State, Gabriel Lafayette Dennis. The Institute has produced hundreds of diplomats who have served Liberia at home and abroad, advancing the country’s foreign policy and international engagement.
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