MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia and the United Nations are today, October 15 and this month commemorating 80 years of partnership, celebrating a historic bond that has helped shape both the global order and Liberia’s own path toward peace, stability, and sustainable development.
As one of the founding members of the United Nations, Liberia stands proudly among the nations that signed the UN Charter in San Francisco in 1945—a moment that cemented its place as a pioneer of international diplomacy on the African continent. Alongside Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa, Liberia was among only four African countries represented at that defining moment in world history.
Over the decades, the partnership between Liberia and the UN has grown from early post-war recovery support to a robust collaboration across peacebuilding, governance, and development. The relationship is being commemorated this year under the global theme “Building Our Future Together” and Liberia’s national theme, “One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress.”
The 2025 celebration, co-hosted by the Government of Liberia and the United Nations Country Team, is expected to highlight both achievements and ongoing challenges in advancing the country’s national development priorities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Liberia’s Legacy in Global Diplomacy
Liberia’s diplomatic history within the UN system runs deep. It was the first African nation to chair the United Nations General Assembly in 1969 through former Foreign Minister Angie Brooks, who also became the first African woman to hold that post. Liberia has since served on several UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council, and in 2025, secured a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council—a powerful signal of the country’s renewed commitment to peace, justice, and multilateral cooperation.
Liberia’s role within the United Nations has also extended beyond diplomacy. The country has long advocated for women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding, inspired by the global recognition of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee. It has also been an active voice in the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, encouraging youth engagement in nation-building and governance.
UN’s Footprint in Liberia
The United Nations’ presence in Liberia has been both historic and transformational. From the UN peacekeeping mission (UNMIL) that helped stabilize the country after years of civil conflict, to ongoing support for elections, climate action, human rights, and education, the UN’s work continues to touch lives across every sector.
Under the current UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, UN Women, FAO, and UNFPA continue to work hand-in-hand with the Government of Liberia to promote inclusive growth, quality healthcare, gender equality, and environmental resilience.
Commemorating 80 Years
The 80th anniversary celebration features a series of activities designed to reflect on shared progress while envisioning the future of global partnership. Events include a media breakfast, photo exhibitions, school outreach programs, and community engagement activities highlighting Liberia’s contribution to multilateralism and sustainable development.
Organizers say the commemoration is not only a reflection on past achievements but also a call to renew Liberia’s commitment to the UN’s founding ideals—peace, human dignity, and equality for all.
As the world faces new global challenges—from climate change to digital inequality—the Liberia-UN partnership is expected to continue evolving in ways that prioritize resilience, inclusion, and human development.
Eighty years on, the message is clear: Liberia and the United Nations remain united in purpose—building a shared future grounded in peace, progress, and partnership.
