MONROVIA – As the United Nations wraps up the activities of its 79th General Assembly in New York, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has held a sideline meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The Executive Mansion disclosed via a statement on its Facebook page that the discussion focused on the UN’s progress and Liberia’s integral role as a founding member, contributing to global well-being.
“During a significant bilateral meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, with Secretary-General António Guterres on the margins of the UNGA, President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s ongoing commitment to national development, global peace, democracy, and multilateralism,” the statement read.
President Boakai expressed gratitude for the warm reception from UN leaders and praised the Secretary-General’s crucial role in fostering international cooperation.
The meeting came amid criticism from the main opposition party, Congress for Democratic Change-CDC, which disputes claims of Liberia’s advancements in democracy and rule of law. Nonetheless, President Boakai informed the UN’s top official that Liberia is on the right trajectory towards strengthening democracy, reinforcing the rule of law, and maintaining peace post-civil conflict.
Liberia is actively seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), continuing efforts initiated by former President George Weah. “Liberia is committed to playing an active role within the United Nations system and restoring its standing in the global community. As a founding member of the UN and a nation that has emerged from war, we are uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security,” President Boakai stated.
In their discussions, President Boakai also emphasized Liberia’s dedication to democratic principles and its consistent democratic culture post-conflict. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and addressing the challenges of Liberian returnees, seeking support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The country faces ongoing challenges, such as high unemployment and a narcotics crisis affecting the youth. President Boakai, who declared the drug issue a public health emergency upon taking office, discussed his government’s efforts to address these challenges with the Secretary-General.
Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged Liberia’s progress from conflict to peace and its role in enhancing democracy in West Africa. He commended the nation’s efforts in building an inclusive society and expressed his support for Liberia’s path to sustainable economic growth and peacebuilding efforts.
Present at the meeting were notable figures including Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Kofi Woods, Security Adviser to the President, Madam Sarah Safyn Fyneah, and Nathaniel Kwabo, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations and Director General of the Cabinet.
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