AS THE 193 member-states of the United Nations (UN) vote today at about 2pm Liberian time for non-permanent members’ seats on the UN Security Council (UNSC), the focus will be shifted to the tiny West Africa nation, Liberia, that was a progenitor in the formation of the world global body – the United Nations in 1945.
FOR TOO LONG Liberia has been in the news for not-good reasons but today becomes a significant day and nobler milestone in the lives of Liberians as their country takes the center stage globally as it will be endorsed and voted as one of the newest members of the UNSC.
DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES as a people and a nation, we must share a fundamental responsibility along with the people of the comity of nations: to foster a world that is more peaceful and secure. A world where development reaches all, ensuring that everyone, no matter their location, has access to sustainable and substantial livelihoods.
BEING VOTED ON the UNSC today will provide the perfect opportunity to fulfil this responsibility globally. Liberia seeks a seat on the Council at a time of significant geopolitical shifts, a period where multilateralism faces serious challenges.
LIBERIA’s FIRST TEST as a cohort to fellow UNSC non-permanent seat seekers, will be its ability to remain cohesive and united in its work on the Council. While complete agreement on every issue may be unrealistic, collective strength will be measured by how effectively the UNSC members will come together to take decisive action on matters that impact human lives and global peace.
THROUGHOUT THIS CAMPAIGN, Liberia has presented its vision: a vision shaped by its resilience and driven by its unwavering dedication to multilateralism. Liberia has pledged to be a steadfast advocate for conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding; women, peace and security; youth, peace and security; and to explore the climate-conflict connection and the link to natural resources.
THE COUNTRY’S EXPERIENCES, forged through the trials of war and the triumphs of reconciliation, gave it the lived experiences of peacebuilding, conflict resolution and democratization. Liberia’s role in multilateralism since it sat around the table in 1945 when the United Nations was founded has taught the country the immeasurable value of diplomacy and dialogue—values it hopes to bring to the deliberations of the Security Council.
LIBERIANS MUST BELIEVE their country does not seek a seat on the Security Council just to make a name for their country, that is why they should say, even though the name plate around the table will be Liberia, and the seat will be Africa’s, the country’s perspective will be global.
LIBERIA MUST REMAIN committed to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter and strengthen its partnerships with all nations of the world. It must continue to engage constructively, to stand for peace and security, and to champion the voices of nations striving for peace and stability.
TOGETHER, LET LIBERIANS build a future where dialogue prevails over discord, where justice triumphs over instability, and where nations, large and small, find their place in shaping a stronger multilateral institution.
IT IS IN this regard, The Liberian Post (www.theliberiapost.com) stands with Liberia as it ascends to the UNSC non-permanent seat, and urges every Liberian to be in one accord in this national endeavor. If they have never been united before as a country now is the time to do so because Liberia has been lifted internationally once again.
JUST AS IT was when Angie Brook Randolf was elected as President of the UN General Assembly the nation’s pride is once more being held in high esteem globally. Everybody who contributed to this great endeavor, including former Presidents George Weah, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Foreign Ministers of Liberia, Senators, prominent and eminent citizens in general, their efforts and commitment is highly appreciated by The Liberian Post.
LET THIS UNSC non-permanent seat role be a catalyst to reunite Liberians despite our political, religious, or whatever differences for the greater good of the country. Future generations deserve to behold a country that will flourish and give them a good life. Once again, we at The Liberian Post www.theliberianpost.com stand with Liberia and urge every Liberia to be in one accord as the country takes a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the next two years.
