UNITED NATIONS DAY 2025 – 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UN Message of the UN Secretary General and Remarks by Ms. Christine N. Umutoni UN Resident Coordinator, Liberia Kakata, Margibi County – 24 October 2025

Salutations and Observance of Protocol

Excellency, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the President of the Republic of Liberia 

Ministers and Senior Officials of the Government of Liberia here present

Members of the Legislature

Members of the Security Sector 

Representatives of Margibi County

The Doyen, Members Diplomatic Corps and representatives of international organizations

Representatives of the Civil Society and the Private Sector

Heads of UN Agencies and UN colleagues,

Students and young people – our present and future 

Members of the Press

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen and all invited youth present here

It is an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations on this UN day 24th October 2025. This year’s celebration events have been co- created and organized in collaboration with the Government of Liberia, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The current leadership of the ministry reminded us that UN Day is not about the UN alone, but about the countries that make the UN. Together with government we decided to bring the celebrations to the county of Margibi and particularly to a school BWI because whatever we do is all about the people and especially the young ones. We gather today to applaud Liberians for maintaining the hard-won peace and their commitment to developing the country and to reflect on the work of the United Nations globally and in Liberia. 

I will begin by reading the Secretary General’s message for this year’s United Nations Day and then I will share my brief reflections in representation capacity as the representative of the UNSG and Resident coordinator for the United Nations system in the country. I quote 

MESSAGE FROM THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL 24TH OCTOBER 2024

“We the peoples of the United Nations…”These are not just the opening words of the UN Charter—they define who we are.

The United Nations is more than an institution. It is a living promise—spanning borders, bridging continents, inspiring generations.

For eighty years, we have worked to forge peace, tackle poverty and hunger, advance human rights, and build a more sustainable world—together.

As we look ahead, we confront challenges of staggering scale: escalating conflicts, climate chaos, runaway technologies, and threats to the very fabric of our institution. This is no time for timidity or retreat.

Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone.

On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of your United Nations, Let’s show the world what is possible when “we the peoples” choose to act as one.’

Liberia’s Legacy and Leadership

I would like to begin my reflections by observing that Liberia’s journey with the United Nations is deeply rooted in history. As one of the founding members in 1945, Liberia helped shape the principles of peace, human rights, and multilateral cooperation that remain at the heart of the UN Charter. Today, by securing a seat on the Security Council, Liberia reaffirms its commitment to those ideals and takes on a responsibility that resonates far beyond its borders. Liberia’s election to the Security Council is more than a diplomatic victory—it is a profound statement of trust and respect from the international community.  In his own words President Boakai stated that the label reads Liberia, but the seat belongs to Africa.

We are confident that Liberia on the global stage—is a strong voice advocating for peace, security, and sustainable development, for Africa and the world.

As the United Nations turns 80, His Excellency President Joseph Boakai reminded us and the General Assembly that ‘reversal of multilateralism is not an option for a just and peaceful world

From the shadows of conflict to the light of peace and a vision for inclusive development, Liberia has walked a path that inspires nations everywhere. This wisdom will now guide global decisions on peace and security.

We have learnt from the collective power of Liberian women when they helped broker peace and rebuild the nation and as they continue to contribute to national development efforts.

The UN family in Liberia is committed to support in any way possible to accompany Liberia in this journey.

A Month of Celebration and Engagement

Throughout October, the UN, the Government, and the people of Liberia have marked this milestone with a month-long programme of activities:

• Media briefings and public dialogues

• Children and youth outreach- model UN, youth advisory panel, ambassadors of change= fighting against drugs.

• Health week and mobile clinics (including eye and breast cancer screenings)

• Climate action through clean-ups and tree planting

• Sports and games

• A gender dialogue and cultural exhibitions

These activities have reached thousands across the country, raising awareness, building solidarity, and celebrating our shared journey.

We thank the government led by Ministry of foreign affairs, the country leadership of Margibi, the UN family and community especially the students, children and youth.

Looking Ahead: Partnership for Transformation

Together with the Government, during the previous cooperation framework the UN has supported tangible progress including in the social sector education, healthcare and maternal services, women empowerment; governance, rule of law and human rights, decentralization, agriculture and climate action. Communities across Liberia are restoring degraded forests, promoting sustainable land management, and adapting to climate impacts with innovation and determination. This is just to mention a few areas of support in the ending cooperation framework.

Today, we mark the soft launch of the new United Nations Cooperation Framework 2026–2030, developed in consultation with the Government and aligned with the national plan, Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID 2025–2029).

This UNCF will focus on: Human Capital Development, Good Governance and Rule of Law as well as Economic Transformation and Climate Action

As the UN reform advances, requiring more efficiency, together, we are moving from isolated projects to joint programmes, from traditional aid to innovative financing, seeking to work together to deliver results.

Challenges and Opportunities

Yes, challenges remain—economic vulnerability, youth unemployment, climate threats, and governance gaps. But these are not obstacles. They are opportunities for deeper collaboration, innovation, and trust.

Liberia’s story is that of a nation that believed in peace, fought for peace, and now champions peace on the world stage, lets continue to support these efforts.

Conclusion

As the UN turns 80, let us renew our pledge to the Charter’s timeless vision:

“To practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors.”

Congratulations to Liberia. Congratulations to all of us who believe in the power of unity.

Let us continue to work as one—for the Liberia we believe in, and the world we share.

Thank you, and Happy United Nations Day! And Happy 80th anniversary