UN in Liberia commemorates 78th UN Day, with National Government reaffirming commitment to the Global Goals

Speaking at the event, UN Resident Coordinator, Madame Christine N. Umutoni, commended Liberia for its successful transition from being reliant on peacekeeping assistance to becoming a development partner of the UN. This recognition reflects the country’s significant progress in post-conflict recovery and demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development initiatives.

This year's UN Day celebration in Liberia coincided with the successful completion of the first round of the country's general elections, which were nationally owned and largely funded by Liberia itself.

The UN Resident Coordinator further noted, “during the first round of elections this year the population turned up in large numbers – (the percentage is one of the highest in the region in recent times), we noted the involvement of so many young people and more than 52% registered women voters speaks volume. It signified Liberians’ collective aspiration for a bright and prosperous future and shows a high sense of responsibility. Young people in Liberia constitute 75% of Liberia’s population, are the present and the future, and their active engagement in national processes including political participation is a demonstration of their nationalism and patriotism – essential foundations for the long-term development and stability of the nation."

Madam Umutoni also read out  the UN Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres’ UN Day Remark:

“The United Nations is a reflection of the world as it is – and an aspiration of the world we know it can be.

“It is our responsibility to help build that world of peace, sustainable development and human rights for all.

“I know we can do it. The Charter of the United Nations – which entered into force 78 years ago today – points the way.

“Above all, it is rooted in a spirit of determination to heal divisions, repair relations, and build peace.

“To expand opportunities and leave no one behind.

“To ensure justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls.

“To provide life-saving relief to those in need.

“And to be flexible enough to address challenges that did not even exist when the UN was born – from the existential climate crisis to the perils and promise of artificial intelligence.

“The United Nations is guided by timeless values and principles, but it must never be frozen in time. That is why we must always keep strengthening ways of working and applying a 21st century lens to all we do.

“On this United Nations Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build the better world of our aspirations.

“Let us commit to a future that lives up to the name of our indispensable organization.

“We are a divided world. We can and must be United Nations.

The President of Liberia, His Excellency George Manneh Weah was in attendance at the programme where he joined the UN family in Liberia for the observance of the 78th Anniversary. He reminded the audience that the United Nations was established to maintain international peace and security, and to achieve cooperation among nations on economic, social, and humanitarian problems.

According to him, this year’s theme, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals in Liberia Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All”, is a clarion call for Liberians to define their priority toward the 2030 Agenda.

President Weah announced that Liberia endorsed the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Initiative, which he said aims to strengthen peacekeeping through more targeted mandate, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces, and by mobilizing support for political solutions.

He said the endorsement is a manifestation of Liberia’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda as reflected within the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), with major targets including job creation, infrastructure development, industrialization, access to affordable healthcare and education, and the sustenance of peace and security to keep the nation focused on its future development agenda.

“It is in this light that my Government has been keen on road connectivity, free education and healthcare delivery,” Dr. Weah said further. “We have also taken care to ensure respect and protection of the inalienable rights of citizens, protection of human rights, press freedom, and the ongoing fight against corruption.”

He also highlighted how this year’s celebration falls in line with Liberia’s political season, where Liberians exercise their democratic rights through the elections of October 10 and are poised for runoff election to elect their President on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

He thanked the United Nations and other partners as well as friends for supporting the journey to sustainable democracy.