On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, President Joseph Boakai held a significant bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting underscored Liberia’s commitment to national development, global peace, democracy, and multilateralism.
President Boakai expressed profound gratitude to Secretary-General Guterres for the warm reception, noting that it was not the first time Liberia has been welcomed so warmly by the UN leadership.
He acknowledged the crucial role the Secretary-General continues to play in fostering international cooperation, and commended his tireless efforts on behalf of the global community.
During the meeting, President Boakai presented Liberia’s remarkable progress in strengthening democracy, reinforcing the rule of law, and maintaining a peaceful status among nations since the end of its civil conflict.
The Liberian Leader highlighted the importance of this progress in Liberia’s aspiration to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), seeking the support of the broader international community for Liberia’s bid.
“Liberia is committed to playing an active role within the United Nations system and to restore its standing in the global community,” President Boakai emphasized.
“As a founding member of the UN and a nation that has emerged from the war, we are uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security,” the President noted.
In the course of their discussions, President Boakai also highlighted Liberia’s dedication to democratic principles, noting that the country has consistently maintained a democratic culture since the cessation of conflict. He reaffirmed Liberia’s intent of actively supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and contributing to the preservation of peace and security, democracy in the region.
Further, President Boakai drew attention to the issue of returnees–Liberians who fled the country during the civil war and are now returning to rebuild their lives.
He expressed his government’s commitment to ensuring their successful reintegration, while also requesting the support of the UN, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Addressing other concerns, the President informed the UNSG about the drug crisis in Liberia and his government’s efforts to mitigate the challenges.
The Liberian Chief Executive also highlighted the challenges posed by the country’s youthful population and the nation’s high unemployment rate, while emphasizing the progress being made to harness its demographic dividends and the drive towards economic recovery.
Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged Liberia’s transition from conflict to peace and noted the impact of the country’s unfolding democratic credentials in West Africa. He commended Liberia for its steady progress in building a pluralist and inclusive society, and expressed well wishes as the nation pursues the path to sustainable economic growth.
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for Liberia’s developmental and peacebuilding agenda.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding of the importance of continued collaboration between Liberia and the United Nations, as both parties reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, security, and development.
Other members of the delegation attending the meeting were Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Kofi Woods, Security Adviser to the President, Sarah Safyn Fyneah, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations and Nathaniel Kwabo, Director General of the Cabinet.
