–Seeks Support From Member States
His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has proudly announced Liberia’s candidacy for the African non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council 2026, and looked forward to the support of member states to vote Liberia overwhelmingly, in order that the nation may work with Council members to promote peace, justice and security.
President Boakai underscored that Liberia is dedicated to promoting sustainable growth and ensuring human dignity for all, emphasizing that Liberia is prepared to work together with the United Nations (UN), other global allies and the international community to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and establish a fair, peaceful and sustainable world.
“This commitment to unity is deeply ingrained in Liberia’s history as a founding member of the United Nations and other post-war international institutions, as well as regional and sub-regional organizations. It also affirms our strong belief in multilateralism and an international rules-based world built on shared values and principles crucial to our future,” President Boakai stated.
He pointed out that the future of a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world must be all-encompassing, fair and dignified for everyone worldwide.
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, President Boakai mounted the podium of the United Nations General Assembly and said he was honored to address the 79th Regular Session of the UNGA for the first time as President on behalf of the government and people of Liberia after a smooth back-to-back democratic transition.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, under the theme, “Unity in Diversity for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere”, President Boakai observed that it is important to recognize the shared values and collective efforts that come from unity within diversity.
“We must acknowledge these as essential for advancing peace, sustainable development, and the inherent dignity of every human being worldwide. By doing so, we can build a better world where no one is left behind. Like many nations gathered at this assembly, Liberia re-commits to the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Liberian leader noted.
He informed the UN General Assembly that Liberia has taken a major step in confronting its conflict past to ensure accountability and justice for crimes and other human rights violations committed during the war and promote healing and national reconciliation.
According to him, a significant development in the nation’s transitional justice process was the signing of Executive Order 131 on May 2, 2024 to create the Office for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Courts for Liberia, a key recommendation from the truth and reconciliation process in Liberia.
“Our actions align with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Joint Follow-Up on Impunity, and Past Human Rights Violations. As we embark on this process and acknowledge the enormity of this task, my government seeks the support of the United Nations, partners, and stakeholders in the pursuit of justice for victims, peace, and reconciliation,” he observed.
He assured that Liberia firmly stands with the rest of West Africa in the resolve to maintain the fifty-year-old regional economic commission, ECOWAS, intact, expressing opposition to efforts to disintegrate the region. He said Liberia will not accept the region being used for proxy conflicts, and looked forward to the AU and the UN to support the regional body in keeping it united.
“Similarly,” he said, “at the global level, we call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East to provide civilians with essential humanitarian relief. We urge both the Israelis and Palestinians to engage in negotiations toward lasting peace, including a two-state solution.
“Additionally, we see the on-going conflict in Ukraine as a threat to global peace and security. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution that also respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” President Boakai underscored.
