The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, delivered a landmark address at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held under the theme: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.” Speaking before world leaders, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s enduring commitment to multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development, while highlighting the country’s domestic priorities under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The Liberian Leader expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support that secured Liberia’s election to a Non-Permanent Seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, marking the Country’s first full tenure since signing the UN Charter in 1945. President Boakai pledged that Liberia’s participation would reflect both national experience in peace-building and Africa’s collective interests, including advocacy for permanent African representation on the Council. On global peace and security, the President also underscored Liberia’s support for credible mediation efforts to end the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, reaffirming Africa’s common position on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Drawing from Liberia’s own painful history of civil war, he stressed that peace must be defended through dialogue, diplomacy, and accountability.
Turning to climate change, President Boakai described it as a “present reality” for Liberia, with rising seas and extreme weather threatening lives and livelihoods. He called for urgent implementation of the Paris Agreement, capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, and greater global investment in adaptation, while demanding Climate Justice for vulnerable nations. The Liberian Chief Executive also joined the Global South in calling for reforms of the international financial architecture, arguing that too many developing countries spend more on debt servicing than on education or health. He emphasized that a fairer system is essential for achieving shared prosperity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the national level, President Boakai outlined his government’s ARREST Agenda, focusing on Agriculture, Infrastructure, Governance, Education, Health, and innovation, aimed at transforming Liberia into a lower-middle-income country by 2030, reaffirming his government’s anti-corruption measures, reconciliation efforts, and the government’s request for international support in establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court. President Boakai declared: “Liberia pledges to remain a bridge to peace, a development partner, and a defender of human rights. Over the next 80 years, we will continue to honor the promise of 1945 by renewing our commitment to a world where peace is just, development is inclusive, and dignity is universal.”
