The United Nations (UN) Country Team in Liberia, led by Christine N. Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia. This meeting is part of Minister Nyanti’s on-going efforts to strategically engage with development partners in Liberia, and is held quarterly.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Resident Coordinator Umutoni and her colleagues to highlight the collaborative efforts between the UN and the Government of Liberia (GOL) in promoting sustainable development, peace, and human rights, as Liberia prepares for a seat on the United Nations Security Council amid recent aid cuts. The Resident Coordinator also informed Foreign Minister Nyanti about an upcoming retreat with all development partners in Liberia, scheduled for April 17, 2025, and extended an invitation for her participation.
During the meeting, the delegation discussed the recent aid cuts by the United States government. While acknowledging that some UN agencies in Liberia have experienced a freeze in recruitment, Umutoni underscored that the UN is aware of the challenges posed by this decision and its impact on implementing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), despite these challenges.
The UN delegation, which included senior representatives from various UN agencies such as the UN Development Program (UNDP), UNICEF, UNFPA, UN-Women, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the World Food Program, highlighted key progress and on-going projects supporting Liberia’s development agenda. The team reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Liberia in achieving the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and emphasized the importance of continued support for Liberia’s peacebuilding efforts, particularly in strengthening national institutions, enhancing human rights protection, and fostering social inclusion.
In her response, Foreign Minister Nyanti expressed her deep appreciation for the UN’s unwavering support of Liberia’s development and peace initiatives. She commended the UN for providing timely assistance and expertise, particularly during Liberia’s post-conflict reconstruction period.
Foreign Minister Nyanti acknowledged the significant progress Liberia has made in its recovery and development journey, but noted that challenges remain, especially in areas such as unemployment, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic diversification. She urged increased international support, particularly in capacity building, job creation, and sustainable economic development.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of continued UN-Liberia collaboration in addressing emerging challenges such as the economic impact of climate change, food security, and access to education and healthcare. She highlighted the need for the UN to remain flexible and responsive to Liberia’s evolving needs, particularly in the face of global challenges like health crises and economic downturns.
Foreign Minister Nyanti further called for a stronger UN presence in Liberia’s rural areas, where much of the country’s population resides. She advocated for a greater focus on inclusive development programs that would benefit marginalized and underserved communities.
The UN delegation assured Foreign Minister Nyanti that Liberia’s needs would continue to be prioritized in their programming. The team pledged to work alongside the government to mobilize additional resources, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a partnership based on sustained collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect between the UN and Liberia’s government, civil society, and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, the meeting served as a significant step in reinforcing the partnership between Liberia and the United Nations, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s long-term development and its people’s aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.
