KAKATA, Margibi County – Liberia and the United Nations on Friday jointly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the UN with an impassioned call for stronger global cooperation, renewed multilateralism, and deeper partnership for national transformation.
The colorful celebration, held at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, Margibi County, brought together President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives of the UN System in Liberia led by Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, who also delivered the official message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
President Boakai hailed the UN as “a beacon of hope and cooperation for all peoples and nations,” emphasizing Liberia’s pride as a founding member of the organization that emerged from the ashes of World War II.
“Our decision in 1945 to sign the UN Charter in San Francisco was made with a deep sense of duty to humanity and our common world,” the Liberian leader said. “Today, we reaffirm Liberia’s continued support for the UN’s mission and our belief in advancing global peace and solidarity.”
The President noted that Liberia’s relationship with the UN is not merely historical but also strategic — one that has shaped the country’s foreign policy and strengthened its domestic development agenda. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through investments in education, health, and climate resilience.
President Boakai also spoke of Liberia’s upcoming term on the United Nations Security Council in 2026, describing it as an opportunity for the country to “amplify Africa’s voice in the pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable development.”
“Looking ahead, we recognize the importance of collective action in addressing the world’s pressing challenges — from climate change to humanitarian crises,” he declared. “Liberia remains steadfast in its support for multilateralism and will continue to contribute to global peace efforts.”
“The UN Is More Than an Institution — It Is a Living Promise”
Delivering the official message of Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni read:
“The United Nations is more than an institution. It is a living promise — spanning borders, bridging continents, inspiring generations. Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone.”
Ms. Umutoni, who also spoke in her capacity as the UN’s chief representative in Liberia, praised the country’s historic leadership role within the UN and its recent election to the Security Council.
“Liberia’s election to the Security Council is more than a diplomatic victory — it is a profound statement of trust and respect from the international community,” she said. “As President Boakai rightly reminded the world, the label reads Liberia, but the seat belongs to Africa.”
She described Liberia’s journey from conflict to peace as “a model of resilience and transformation,” crediting the collective power of Liberian women, youth, and communities in sustaining democracy and stability.
One Liberia, One UN, One Future
Under the national theme “One Liberia, One UN, One Future – 80 Years of Partnership and Progress,” this year’s celebration also marked the soft launch of the new United Nations Cooperation Framework (2026–2030).
The new framework aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID 2025–2029) and focuses on Human Capital Development, Good Governance and Rule of Law, Economic Transformation, and Climate Action.
Throughout October, the UN and the Government of Liberia hosted a series of nationwide activities — including media dialogues, school outreach programs, tree planting, mobile health clinics, and youth sports — designed to promote peace, sustainability, and civic engagement.
A Partnership for the Future
Ms. Umutoni reaffirmed the UN’s support for Liberia’s national transformation, stating that while challenges remain — from youth unemployment to climate threats — they also present “opportunities for innovation and deeper collaboration.”
“Liberia’s story is that of a nation that believed in peace, fought for peace, and now champions peace on the world stage,” she said. “As the UN turns 80, let us renew our pledge to the Charter’s timeless vision — to live together in peace as good neighbors.”
President Boakai closed the celebration by expressing Liberia’s gratitude to the UN and international partners for their enduring support, pledging that the country would continue to uphold the values of peace, human dignity, and social progress that define the United Nations.
“Together, we will keep working toward a future of prosperity, stability, and sustainable development for everyone,” the President said. “Long live the United Nations — and long live our common pledge to global peace and security.”
