Graduates of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute have been urged to represent Liberia on the world stage with “pride, honor and knowledge.”
The call was made on Monday, March 3, 2025, when Liberia’s Maritime Authority Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., delivered a keynote address at the Foreign Service Institute graduation ceremony for emerging diplomats.
“Let this be your guiding principle. Let your actions speak louder than words. And as you represent Liberia on the world stage, do so with pride, honor, and the knowledge that the world is watching, and Liberia’s future is in your hands”, Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Z. Lighe Sr. said.
The graduation follows six weeks of refresher training and orientation for diplomats who are already practicing. It is also the 2nd certification for persons of a high category who have come from other professions and transitioned to diplomacy.
Commissioner Lighe told the over 29 graduates that the country is proud and confident they will make a difference in the world.
He cautioned the graduates that as they stand on the “threshold” of their professional careers, they are about to embark on a path that will not only shape their future but also the future of their beloved country Liberia.
Commissioner Lighe informed the graduates that becoming the country’s new cohort of diplomats, negotiators, and global representatives, they are poised to become the stewards of Liberia’s place in the world, and they will carry the country’s hopes, values, and dreams as they represent Liberia on the global stage.
He said: “Today is a remarkable day—one that marks not just the end of your academic journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. As you stand on the threshold of your professional careers, you are about to embark on a path that will not only shape your future but also the future of our beloved Liberia.
You, the new cohort of diplomats, negotiators, and global representatives, are poised to become the stewards of Liberia’s place in the world, and you will carry our hopes, values, and dreams as you represent us on the global stage.”
As diplomats, he said, their role will be pivotal in promoting trade, attracting investment, and fostering global partnerships that would lift Liberia as the country continues its path toward economic growth and development.
“As Liberia continues its path toward economic growth and development, your roles will be pivotal in promoting trade, attracting investment, and fostering global partnerships that lift Liberia’s economy to new heights”, Commissioner Lighe explained.
Commissioner Lighe also admonished the graduates that “the challenges of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and global economic uncertainty will require astute and strategic diplomacy, adding that their actions as diplomats will directly influence Liberia’s standing in the global economy and its ability to secure a better future for its citizens.”
Being a part of a global network, their role in international organizations such as the United Nations, African Union, and other regional bodies will be critical because they will not only stand for Liberia, but for the global “ideals” of peace, justice, and shared prosperity.
According to him, their graduation comes at a time when the country is vying for two important positions on the global stage, thus marking a remarkable shift in Liberia’s interaction with other nations around.
“At the United Nations, Liberia is vying for a seat on the Security Council, a position which would posit Liberia as a strategic actor in promoting peace and cooperation on regional and global issues affecting the world. Also, at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Liberia is contesting to retain her Category “A” membership on the IMO Council which is the highest decision-making body of the institution”, he stated.
The maritime chief revealed that skillful negotiations and partnership building with institutions and nations of the world will be crucial to ensuring Liberia’s election to the UN Security Council and the Council of the IMO.
“The skills you have developed at the Foreign Service Institute will be important in communicating and fostering Liberia’s agenda in the discussions and negotiations leading up to the mentioned elections. I do not doubt that you will ably contribute to this endeavor when called upon” he noted.
Speaking earlier was Reginald B. Goodridge, Sr., Director General of the Foreign Service Institute, or FSI.
DG Goodridge said the refresher course is intended to give diplomats new ideas and foreign service personnel to be knowledgeable about new dynamics such as climate change and financing among others.
DG revealed that the FSI 10-month program will be elevated to a master’s degree later this year.
The FSI director general expressed optimism that the training over the last few weeks will significantly help the graduates.
