Africa-Press – Liberia. In celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80), the United Nations in Liberia, in partnership with Model United Nations Liberia, on Wednesday held a vibrant Children and Youth Outreach event at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monrovia.
Themed: “One Liberia, One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress,” the event brought together students from various educational institutions, youth organizations, and members of the Model United Nations Liberia and Ambassadors of Change.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were UN Resident Coordinator, Madame Christine N. Umutoni, members of the UN Country Team and several youth advocates who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Liberia.
Model UN Liberia Highlights the Role of the United Nations
In an inspiring presentation, Tom Deozil Wonkpah, Deputy Executive Director of Model UN Liberia, gave an overview of the history, purpose, and structure of the United Nations.
He explained that the UN, established on October 24, 1945, after the Second World War, was created to promote peace, security, human rights, and international cooperation among nations. Wonkpah outlined the UN’s six main organs the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, the Secretariat, and the Trusteeship Council and emphasized their collective role in maintaining global peace and development.
He also highlighted the UN’s achievements in humanitarian aid, human rights protection, and sustainable development, noting that the organization continues to serve as a pillar for global stability and progress.
Climate Change and the Environment: A Call for Action
Delivering a powerful presentation on Climate Change, Nathaniel T. Blama, Sr., Managing Partner and CEO of Planet Resources Management, Inc., educated students on the causes and consequences of environmental degradation and climate change.
He traced the origins of international environmental cooperation to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which led to the establishment of key global agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement of 2015.
Blama stressed the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing waste responsibly, and protecting natural ecosystems, warning that unchecked human activities continue to harm the ozone layer and accelerate global warming.
“Little actions create great rewards,” he stated. “Managing your waste properly, planting trees, and protecting the environment are small but powerful ways we can all fight climate change.
He also emphasized the role of sustainable practices in addressing challenges like coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and food insecurity, especially in vulnerable coastal communities such as West Point and PHP in Monrovia.
Understanding and Applying the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Model UN Liberia and the Youth Advisory Panel Team facilitated an engaging session on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by 193 world leaders at the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Summit.
The team underscored the interconnected nature of the goals and their collective mission to end poverty, protect the planet, promote peace, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
Students were encouraged to use creativity and innovation to address social and environmental challenges. Protect oceans, forests, and wildlife through responsible action.
Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions, which are essential to achieving all other goals.
The discussions emphasized that every young person has a role to play in shaping a sustainable and peaceful future for Liberia and the world
Closing Remarks
In closing, Seton P. Loglar, Coordinator of the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to the United Nations and partners for organizing the outreach event.
“This program highlights the pivotal role Liberia played during the formation of the United Nations,” Loglar stated. “It reminds us that Liberia has always stood tall for global peace and security. To our students, you must walk with pride knowing that your forebears laid a strong foundation. You must do even more to continue that legacy.”
He praised the initiative for inspiring young Liberians to embrace the values of peace, leadership, and sustainability as part of their contribution to the country’s development and the global agenda
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