Liberia’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is more than a diplomatic triumph—it is a rallying cry for the country’s youth to rise as global citizens, says former national athlete and global goodwill ambassador, Bill Rogers.
Rogers, a celebrated Liberian sprinter turned international youth advocate, described Liberia’s UNSC victory as both historic and deeply personal, calling on young Liberians to embrace the moment as a turning point in the nation’s post-war identity.
“To the youth, this is your opportunity,” Rogers urged. “Liberia is on the map in a new way. Use it to become leaders, storytellers, peace builders. We can’t afford to sit back anymore.”
On June 3, 2025, Liberia secured a landslide victory at the UN General Assembly in New York, winning 181 out of 187 votes to claim one of five rotating seats on the Security Council. This monumental endorsement by the international community comes nearly 15 years after the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from Liberia, signaling a new era of trust in the country’s global leadership potential.
Speaking during a visit to Liberia, Rogers—who resides in the United States where he lectures in sports at Huston-Tillotson University in Texas—said witnessing the UNSC announcement while on Liberian soil was a defining moment in his life.
“One of the greatest achievements for me today is to be in Liberia to witness and be a part of history,” he said. “Congratulations, Liberia! All Liberian leaders stood together firmly to contribute to this global celebration, which Liberia deserves. We are no longer just a nation—we are a global voice.”
Rogers, who heads the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, emphasized that Liberia’s ascension to the Security Council is not merely symbolic but rather a powerful recognition of its resilience and readiness to lead.
“This win is not only symbolic of what we’ve fought through as a nation—our civil war, our painful past—but it is the clearest message to the world that Liberia is ready to lead on matters of global peace, justice, and cooperation,” he said.
The former athlete, who was decorated as Knight Official of the Most Venerable Order of the Knighthood of the Pioneers of the African Redemption by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, said the UNSC seat belongs to all Liberians—especially its youth.
“Any decision made at the Security Council will now have Liberia’s voice,” Rogers emphasized. “It’s not just about us anymore. It’s about the influence we now hold to help shape global peace and development.”
Rogers also offered high praise for Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, whose diplomacy spearheaded the successful campaign.
“People were criticizing her on social media, saying she wasn’t competent. But the ‘underdog’ has set the world ablaze with results,” he said.
He reflected on the emotional moment when Nyanti reacted to the election results: “When I saw her tears of joy, it wasn’t just emotion—it was symbolic,” Rogers explained. “The rejected stone became the cornerstone. Her tears represented a wound in our nation that is finally healing.”
He further commended President Boakai for his leadership, stating that the diplomatic success demonstrates what unity of purpose among national leaders can achieve.
Addressing questions about Liberia’s preparedness to hold such a prestigious seat, Rogers stressed that Liberia brings more than experience—it brings perspective.
“Liberia doesn’t just have experience—we have a story. A powerful story. From war to peace. From conflict to elections. From division to unity,” he said. “Even when things get tense, like at the Capitol or during elections, we resolve them ourselves. That’s what makes us qualified. We bring lived experience to the Security Council.”
Liberia’s two-year term on the Security Council will begin in January 2026, alongside Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Latvia, replacing outgoing members including Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the Republic of Korea.
As Liberia prepares for this global stage, Rogers warned against complacency and called for national introspection and reform.
“We are being watched now. We’re not just a regular country anymore,” he cautioned. “We have to clean our house—clean our thoughts, unite our leaders, and present a Liberia that is ready to lead globally.”
He stressed that the UNSC role should be used wisely—not only for prestige but also as a platform to attract investment, maintain peace, and drive development.
Ending with a direct message to Liberia’s young generation, Rogers called on them to step up and carry the national legacy forward.
“This is not a title to be taken lightly. This is a credit we’ve earned. And to the youth of Liberia: don’t waste it,” he said. “Support those who fought for this legacy. Strengthen our democracy. Keep dreaming, but more importantly—keep doing.”
“Let’s keep celebrating. But let’s also keep doing our homework. The world has given us the microphone—it’s time to speak with one voice.”
