President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. held a bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two leaders exchanged views on peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, and Liberia’s new role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Secretary-General Guterres commended Liberia’s longstanding generosity toward refugees and displaced populations, recalling his personal experiences in the country. He congratulated President Boakai on Liberia’s election to the Security Council and pledged the United Nations’ full support to Liberia’s initiatives in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development. He emphasized the UN’s readiness to align its country team’s efforts with Liberia’s national priorities, including economic diplomacy, environmental protection, and social development.
President Boakai, for his part, highlighted Liberia’s position on peace, justice, and reconciliation, noting the importance of implementing recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including the support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court.
He emphasized Liberia’s dedication to addressing climate change, highlighting that the country holds nearly half of West Africa’s remaining rainforest, and stressed the need for international partnerships to protect this global resource.
The Liberian leader further outlined his administration’s focus on economic diplomacy to ensure that natural resources are managed transparently and equitably for the benefit of all Liberians. He highlighted his government’s ARREST agenda highlighting areas such as agriculture, education, health, sanitation, tourism, and youth development, while underscoring the importance of international cooperation in bridging gaps left by past challenges.
Secretary-General Guterres praised President Boakai’s agenda as a forward-looking response to Liberia’s challenges and assured him of the UN’s continued engagement, including mobilization of international support and fundraising for Liberia’s programs and praised the government’s progress so far.
President Boakai thanked the Secretary-General for his leadership and longstanding commitment to Liberia, emphasizing the country’s readiness to work closely with the United Nations and the international community to advance peace, development, and shared prosperity.
