On June 3, 2025, the world turned its eyes to New York, but the hearts of Liberians beat across Monrovia, Gbarnga, Zwedru, and every dusty road and village in between. After 62 long years, Liberia, a founding member of the United Nations, secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with an overwhelming 181 votes. This is not just a diplomatic victory; it is the resurrection of Liberia’s global voice, long silenced by conflict, corruption, and recovery. Today, Liberia stands tall not only for herself but for the African continent, ready to advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity on the most powerful international stage.
Liberia’s ascension to the UNSC comes at a time when the world desperately needs a moral compass and a reminder of the cost of silence in the face of injustice. From peacekeeping in South Sudan to tackling coups in West Africa, Liberia knows too well the agony of instability. Our voice, therefore, is not ornamental; it is experiential. This seat provides Liberia with the leverage to shape global responses to conflicts that often find their roots on African soil yet receive limited African input. Now, Liberia will not just be a recipient of UN resolutions; it will help write them.
Critics argue that this Security Council seat benefits the elite and not the ordinary Liberian. But that view is short sighted. This is an investment in influence. Through this seat, Liberia can push for reforms in peacekeeping, amplify the call for debt relief for struggling African nations, lobby for equitable climate financing, and demand fairer trade practices. A stronger Liberia abroad can build a stronger Liberia at home. The dividends of global partnerships, aid, investment, technology, and training, flow to those who are seen and heard. And now, Liberia is both.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has led Liberia to this moment. He stood at the crossroads of history, not only shepherding the country’s bid but reminding the world that Liberia still matters. In that symbolism, there is power. The election was not won through aggression or alliance politics; it was won unopposed, backed by the African Union, and confirmed by 181 nations. That vote of confidence is not given lightly. It is a restoration of faith in Liberia’s capacity to lead with humility, courage, and wisdom.
Still, the moment has not escaped criticism. Some voices, including political leaders and opposition commentators, have dismissed the UNSC victory as hollow. Grace Guar and Matthew Nyanplu, among others, argue that celebration is misplaced when young Liberians remain unemployed, when healthcare is failing, and when food insecurity haunts the nation. These are valid concerns. But must we wait for all problems to be solved before recognizing a win? Liberia’s challenges are real, but this Security Council seat is not a distraction; it is a platform to address them. Global visibility can bring global responsibility. The fight for domestic development must go hand in hand with international engagement.
Ambassador Lewis Brown, credited for leading Liberia’s diplomatic campaign, has proven that patriotism can rise above politics. His work, acknowledged even by former critics, serves as a reminder that Liberia’s progress does not belong to one party or administration; it belongs to all Liberians. That this victory was achieved under a Unity Party government but celebrated across political lines by some is evidence that diplomacy, when done right, can unify rather than divide.
To those who view this achievement with skepticism, let it be known: a seat on the UN Security Council does not erase poverty, but it opens a door. It does not solve all our problems, but it gives Liberia a louder voice to advocate for solutions. It does not elevate the ruling party; it elevates the Republic.
Now, the task is to use that seat wisely. Liberia must champion issues that matter not just to Africa, but to humanity, including conflict resolution, climate resilience, disarmament, and human rights. We must earn our seat daily, not through the volume of our voice, but the value of our contributions.
So let hope rise, and let Liberia lead. After six decades of watching from the margins, Liberia is back in the room where decisions are made. And this time, we must ensure that our presence is not ceremonial, but consequential.
