Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., is on his way to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will represent President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4), slated for July 27–29, 2025.
The summit brings together world leaders, policymakers, and development partners to evaluate global progress and accelerate transformative actions in support of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a sharp focus on ending hunger and malnutrition.
During his address to the summit plenary, Vice President Koung will reaffirm Liberia’s firm commitment to achieving national food security, building climate-resilient agriculture, and advancing inclusive food systems.
He will highlight key priorities of the Boakai administration, including support for smallholder farmers, the expansion of agro-processing, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships to reduce the country’s dependence on food imports and increase domestic productivity.
While in Addis Ababa, VP Koung will also engage in bilateral meetings with: H.E. Taye Atske Selassie, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; H.E. Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; and Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
These engagements aim to foster stronger regional ties and attract targeted investments into Liberia’s agriculture sector.
In addition, VP Koung will attend a high-level session hosted by the African Union Commission and AUDA-NEPAD, themed: “The CAADP Kampala Declaration—Driving Africa’s Food Systems Future: Next Gen Agri-Food Entrepreneurs in Dialogue with African Leaders.” Scheduled for July 29, the session will focus on bridging political leadership and entrepreneurial innovation to reshape food systems across the continent.
President Boakai’s appointment of the Vice President to lead the delegation signals Liberia’s deep commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development through food systems reform.
The Liberian delegation includes Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State without Portfolio; Ibrahim Al-Bakri Nyei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Integration; Folton Blasin; Assistant Minister for Administration, Ministry of Agriculture; Madam Jeanine Milly Cooper, Special Envoy on Climate Change; and Mr. Trokon A. Taar, Director General, Liberia News Agency.
Liberia remains steadfast in its pursuit of inclusive, climate-smart, and resilient food systems to ensure a better future for its people.
