Liberia’s journey of hope: Turning democratic dividends into development gains

When I arrived in Liberia in February 2023, the country was preparing for general elections. These are always pivotal moments in a nation healing from the scars of civil wars, which Liberia experienced twice, from 1989 to 1997 and from 1999 to 2003. Elections are more than political milestones; they are tests of the nation’s enduring commitment to peace.

What followed later that year was remarkable: a peaceful, democratic vote, and a dignified transfer of power from former President George Weah to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. 

In doing so, Liberia reminded the world – and perhaps itself – that it continues to choose peace over conflict and dialogue over division. At a time when democratic setbacks are on the rise globally, Liberia offered something deeply valuable: proof that peaceful, people-driven transitions are not only possible, but resilient.

From conflict to confidence: A national story of hope gains global recognition

Liberia’s steady commitment to peace has not gone unnoticed. In June 2025, the country was elected to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term—a powerful sign that the world sees Liberia not only as a beneficiary of peace but also as a contributor to it. 

This nation’s story is remarkable. It should be told not in footnotes or in whispers, but with pride. Liberia was Africa’s first Republic, a founding member of both the United Nations and the African Union, and a long-standing champion for regional peace. Liberia is not defined by conflict or crisis, but by courage, persistence, and the daily work of building a nation, one step at a time.

After all, peace is more than the absence of war. At a time when conflicts are resurfacing and peace remains fragile in many parts of the world, Liberia’s more than two decades of stability offer lessons that deserve to be shared. But as Liberians themselves will say, peace is never guaranteed. It must be nurtured, protected and strengthened every day.

What Liberia has and where it can go next

Too often, Africa’s narrative is framed in terms of what is missing. But in Liberia, I see something else, a view shared by many who know this country well. Liberia is rich in land, minerals, forests and coastline. It is a young nation, with more than 70 per cent of its population under the age of 35, and a society brimming with leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers where women make up a majority. Above all, it is a country with a resilient spirit, forged through survival and sustained by solidarity. 

Liberians are more than the challenges they have overcome. They are builders, ready to lead the next chapter of their country’s transformation. The question is no longer whether Liberia can rise – but how quickly and inclusively it can do so.

A human-centred vision for development

Development is not about numbers or jargon. It is about people: the young entrepreneur with a bold idea, the farmer adapting to climate change, the mother and child seeking quality care, the student navigating a digital future. Every policy and financing choice must be measured by how it improves lives and protects dignity.

Today, Liberia stands at a turning point – not just to celebrate peace, but to bridge historical divides, deepen reconciliation, and ensure that the dividends of stability reach every community, especially those most vulnerable.

Liberia has launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a national plan for 2025-2029 anchored in the six priority areas of agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. The plan’s six pillars – economic transformation, infrastructure, rule of law, governance and anti-corruption, environmental sustainability, and human capital development – reflect global and regional priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. 

To deliver on this ambitious target, Liberia is focusing on critical accelerators: investing in education, technology and skills for youth; strengthening healthcare and social protection; empowering women and young people; and building climate resilience across food systems, from farms to fishing villages.

Global alignment matters – but development must be owned, financed and led from within. Progress happens when national priorities drive partnerships, not the other way around. 

Financing the future: From aid to self-reliance

At this year’s Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain, world leaders acknowledged a hard truth: traditional aid is declining. Countries must now take the reins of their own development through stronger domestic resource mobilisation and innovative financing.

For Liberia, this means expanding and digitising the tax base, working with the private sector and formalising the informal economy. It also means curbing illicit financial flows both at home and internationally.

Innovative tools can help. Liberia plans to explore green bonds, diaspora bonds and gender-focused finance options that align investor interests with national needs. These efforts are part of a broader shift toward an integrated financing strategy, making every dollar go further for people and the planet.

This paradigm shift is not just necessary; it is an opportunity. The country has the talent and determination to drive its own transformation. The global system must now meet Liberia where it is: not as a charity case, but as a capable partner committed to inclusive, peaceful progress.

A renewed UN partnership for results

The UN in Liberia joins the nation in celebrating its election to the UN Security Council next year, a powerful statement that the peacekeeping chapter is truly behind us. Liberia is now giving back to global peace efforts. 

Over the years, our role in Liberia has evolved from peacekeeping to peacebuilding to sustainable development. Today, the UN Country Team (UNCT), composed of specialised UN agencies, funds and programmes, works hand in hand with the government, civil society, the private sector and partners to support the national vision.

Our next chapter is the new UN Cooperation Framework (2026-2030), fully aligned with the AAID and focused on three of its pillars: economic transformation, rule of law and governance and human capital development. 

Our approach is rooted in local priorities. It is about turning national goals into results that matter for communities – ensuring that no one is left behind.

Believing in Liberia’s future

Yes, challenges remain—diversifying the economy, eradicating poverty, strengthening institutions, and closing development gaps. But Liberia is not defined by its obstacles. It is defined by its resilience, progress, and the determination of its people to keep moving forward.

Now is the time to turn peace into lasting prosperity, to let democratic values drive inclusive growth, and to show that Liberia can be a beacon of what is possible when a nation invests in its people and believes in its own potential.

Together, in genuine partnership, the United Nations in Liberia will continue contributing to the country’s story of dignity, resilience, and inclusive development.

God bless Liberia, and happy 178th Independence Anniversary.

This blog was written by Christine N. Umutoni, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia. For more information about the UN's work in Liberia, visit liberia.un.org and follow us on Facebook and X.