New York, September 25, 2024 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., delivered his first address as President of the Republic of Liberia at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at the UN Headquarters in New York. In his speech, President Boakai emphasized Liberia’s commitment to global peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, while outlining key domestic initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty, addressing health challenges, and fostering national reconciliation.
Opening his remarks, President Boakai congratulated H.E. Philemon Yangon on his election as President of the 79th General Assembly and expressed Liberia’s continued support for the Assembly’s mission. He also praised former UNGA President Dennis Francis and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for their leadership during challenging global times.
Liberia’s Commitment to the United Nations and Global Development
President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s longstanding relationship with the United Nations, recalling the nation’s role as an original signatory to the UN Charter in 1945. Reflecting on nearly 80 years of the UN’s efforts, he questioned whether the global commitment to human dignity, peace, and development had been fully realized, urging for continued institutional reforms to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century.
Emphasizing the UNGA theme of “Unity in Diversity for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity,” President Boakai stressed the importance of global collaboration. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that the country’s national development blueprint, Vision 2030, and the government’s ARREST Agenda were designed to align with the SDGs and bring about meaningful progress for all Liberians.
Fighting Poverty, Promoting Human Dignity
Acknowledging the significant challenges that Liberia still faces, President Boakai cited poverty reduction as a key priority. “Despite our progress, poverty remains a significant challenge, with over half of our population living below the poverty line,” he stated, reiterating Liberia’s dedication to improving social protection for the poor and vulnerable. He further highlighted efforts to address maternal and newborn mortality through partnerships like the United Nations H6 Joint Mission, which aims to reduce the country’s high rates of infant mortality.
Women’s Empowerment and Liberia’s Role in African History
President Boakai expressed his pride in Liberia’s trailblazing role in promoting women’s rights, celebrating the country’s history as home to Angie Brooks Randolph, the first female President of the UNGA, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female President. He welcomed the UNGA’s decision to declare July 25th as the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, which he saw as a crucial step in the fight against gender inequality.
Peace and Reconciliation: A Path Forward
Addressing Liberia’s history of civil conflict, President Boakai hailed the country’s democratic progress, noting four peaceful elections since the end of the war, including the historic transition of power in 2018. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to justice and reconciliation by referencing Executive Order 131, which establishes an Office for the creation of War and Economic Crimes Courts, a key component of the country’s transitional justice process.
He also called on the international community for support in Liberia’s fight against the rising drug crisis, which he described as a threat to the nation’s youth and future.
Global Challenges: Climate Change, Peace, and Security
Touching on the global stage, President Boakai voiced his concern over pressing international issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. As the most forested country in West Africa, Liberia is playing a leading role in climate action. The President urged the UN and global partners to assist Liberia in its efforts to implement its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
On matters of peace and security, President Boakai emphasized Liberia’s dedication to regional stability in West Africa, expressing concern over terrorism and political instability in the region. He called for increased collaboration among West African nations and reiterated Liberia’s strong opposition to any attempts to disintegrate the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Liberia’s Bid for the UN Security Council
Concluding his speech, President Boakai proudly announced Liberia’s candidacy for the African non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2026. He urged member states to support Liberia’s bid, promising to contribute actively to global peace, justice, and security efforts.
In closing, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s enduring commitment to multilateralism and the collective pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world, declaring, “ONE UN, ONE WORLD.”
The speech marked a pivotal moment in Liberia’s international engagement as the country continues to assert its role as a force for peace, justice, and sustainable development on the global stage.
Matthew Jacobs is a photojournalist with a keen focus on Liberian politics and economics. With a background in photojournalism, he has covered major developments in Liberia and the surrounding region for over a decade. Matthew is known for his in-depth analysis and ability to bring complex issues to the public in a clear and engaging manner. As a lead reporter for Kukatonon News, he provides critical insights into governmental affairs, fiscal policies, and their impact on the lives of everyday citizens.