Liberia to Put Women, Youth and Climate Security on Agenda as It Takes UN Security Council Presidency

Published: November 2, 2026

MONROVIA — Liberia will push women’s and young people’s role in peacebuilding, the security risks of climate change, and U.N. Security Council reform when it takes the Council’s rotating presidency in December, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti told diplomats on Friday.

In a briefing for the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Liberia, Nyanti set out five priorities to guide Liberia’s work on the Council. They are women, peace and security; youth, peace and security; the links between climate change, conflict and natural resources; regional security across the Mano River Union, ECOWAS and the Sahel; and Security Council reform alongside stronger U.N. peacekeeping.

The diplomats welcomed the agenda. Ambassador Beng Yela Augustine Gang of Cameroon, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, spoke on their behalf.

“The way and manner in which Foreign Minister Nyanti has framed the priorities for the continent are on course. This is great for Liberia and Africa. We share a common African agenda and interest,” Gang said.

Nyanti said that Liberia, which hosted one of the United Nations’ major peacekeeping operations after its civil conflict, is now trusted to help lead efforts to maintain international peace and security. She said the country’s experience in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and post-conflict recovery would shape how it leads the Council.

She thanked international partners for backing Liberia’s election to the Council in June 2025 for the 2026-2027 term.

“First and foremost, we are very grateful for the support that enabled us to get on the UNSC,” Nyanti said.

Liberia, a founding member of the United Nations, last sat on the Security Council in 1961, according to the Foreign Ministry.

During the session, ambassadors from Egypt, Cuba, Ghana and other countries raised the conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan. They said they hoped Liberia would use the presidency to encourage dialogue and peaceful resolution of those crises, the ministry said.

The briefing is part of the government’s “Liberia’s Road to the Presidency” initiative, which the ministry said was launched on Oct. 26 during the national commemoration of United Nations Day. The ministry said the initiative is meant to raise public awareness, strengthen diplomatic partnerships and build support for the presidency.