As the United Nations Concludes activities of its 79th General Assembly in New York, strategic meetings and side events continue to unfold between world leaders. As head of the Liberian Delegation to the UNGA, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai met with the UN Secretary General.
The Executive Mansion, in a press statement published on its verified Facebook account, disclosed that Boakai and António Guterres met and had conversation around the UN’s progress as it works for the global well-being of people and countries with focus on Liberia’s long standing pivotal role in the UN as a founding member.
“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 ongoing commitment to national development, global peace, democracy, and multilateralism,” the statement contains.
The Liberian leader noted how Liberia has always received warm reception from the UN leaders, recognizing “the crucial role the Secretary-General continues to play in fostering international cooperation and commended his tireless efforts on behalf of the global community.”
Although the main and immediate former ruling opposition party (Congress for Democratic Change-CDC) has disagreed with the President and his government on claims that Liberia thriving well on the back of democracy and rule of law is making its inroad into the society as peace reigns, Boakai is said to have informed the UN most powerful leader that the country is progressing on the right trajectory.
“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 press statement said.
Liberia seeks election to the non-permanent seat post of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Liberian leader has rallied support both home and abroad, mainly on the margin of the concluding UN General Assembly to gain access to the seat. It is an effort begun by former President George Weah and he has since given his support.
“Liberia is committed to playing an active role within the United Nations system and to restore its standing in the global community. 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.
The Executive Mansion added that “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.”
The President is said to have reaffirmed Liberia’s intent to actively support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS ) and contribute to the preservation of peace and security, democracy in the region and he further drew attention to the ongoing 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).”
It has been over two decades since battlefield bullets, rockets and grenade launchers ceased to be heard and peace has returned to the country but there are still Liberians who continue to seek refuge in other countries amid worry of realizing decent living in their own homeland, more so that a lot has been shattered and there is no sign of development to truly rebuild the country.
There is a high unemployment rate and harmful (narcotic) drugs continue to eat up the youthful population. Boakai, upon taking office, declared the menace as a public health emergency and set up a team to help contain it but challenges continue to amount as there is no adequate financial allotment to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the health sector.
“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 high unemployment rates, while emphasizing the progress being made to harness the nation’s demographic dividend and the drive towards economic recovery,” the President’s communication department said.
According to the Executive Mansion, 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 and commended Liberia for its steady progress in building a pluralist and inclusive society and expressed well wishes on the path to sustainable economic growth as he also reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for Liberia’s developmental and peace building agenda.
Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Samuel Kofi Woods, National Security Adviser to the President; and Madam Sarah Safyn Fyneah are said to have been a part of the meeting between President Boakai and the UN Secretary General. Also present was Nathaniel Kwabo, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations and Director General of the Cabinet.
