Ambassador-designate to the United Nations (UN), Lewis Brown, has rekindled hope for Liberia to reclaim its space of leadership as forerunner in the determination of global affairs.
Appearing for Senate confirmation hearing on Friday, November 22, 2024, Ambassador-designate Brown informed the senators that, as comparatively small as Liberia may be, and grappling with underdevelopment as it continues to do, Liberia has never been a spectator to global developments. He said Liberia has led and participated from the front, and that many nations of the world, both big and small, have looked and referred to Liberia for guidance and leadership in the determination of regional, continental and world affairs.
“Honorable Chairman and distinguished members: Liberia’s place of leadership around the family table of the world is ours to reclaim. My faith is that together we will reclaim this proud legacy of our country. We will responsibly answer the call, and dutifully meet the moment. With this faith, I know that Liberians of all stripes and persuasions—at home or around the world—will be proud of who we are, and how highly regarded we are capable of becoming for the added value our country has been destined to bring to the world,” the seasoned diplomat observed.
Ambassador Brown emphasized, “In this spanning shadow of history and legacy—where the world beckons for Liberia’s diplomatic mastery and leadership—here, I humbly present before you. I know that each of you shares with me a keen sense of awareness not just about what our country has done in the past, but what it falls upon us to do, again, today, and in the future. Being a Liberian requires us to also be counted in the affairs of the world, so that rather than wait to be shaped by international affairs we are again at the forefront of shaping the world for the benefit of all humanity, and to the credit of our country.
“May I encourage you to believe that the astuteness of our diplomacy has never been measured by the size of our country, the population of our people, or what we may lack in our development. Being respectfully counted in global affairs is where Liberia has historically been, and where we truly belong. I know that under the direction of the President, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and with your help, back in the forefront of leadership in global diplomacy is exactly where Liberia, the country of masterful international diplomacy, will be returned.
“This is the hope that I come to you with, and reassure all of you of my gratitude for the auspiciousness of your convening and the kindness of your attention. I thank you.”
