UNRC Keynote Address Official Launch & Commissioning of the Liberia Standards Authority

Protocol

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

Ministers and Senior Officials of the Government of Liberia here present

The Doyen, Members Diplomatic Corps and representatives of international organizations

Representatives of the Private Sector

Heads of UN Agencies and UN colleagues,

Members of the Press

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen and all invited guests present here

• Welcome everyone to this important milestone — the inauguration of the laboratories of the Liberia Standards Authority. Today’s event reflects Liberia’s continued commitment to strengthening its national quality infrastructure and ensuring safer food systems for all Liberians.

   

• I want to recognize the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for establishing LiSA and for prioritizing standards, conformity assessment, and food safety as key pillars of national development.

• I also recognize the cooperation between the Government of Liberia and European Union whose financial support has made the Liberian Food Safety Initiative possible, implemented by one of the UN agencies of UN family in Liberia: the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

• I acknowledge that Food Safety is not only a public health matter — it is an economic development issue. Reliable testing, inspection, and certification systems protect consumers, strengthen trust in markets, and enable Liberian producers to compete at regional and international levels. It’s not a matter of only making food ready for export but it’s actually to make ready food for consumption here locally. 

• I would like to highlight that Liberia’s development agenda, including the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, emphasizes economic diversification, agricultural transformation, and private sector growth — all of which depend on strong institutions like LiSA.

• I also acknowledge that investments in laboratory rehabilitation, reliable power and water systems, modern equipment, and capacity development are critical steps toward building a credible and internationally recognized conformity assessment system.

   

• I reiterate that the United Nations system in Liberia remains committed to supporting institutional capacity development that enables inclusive and sustainable industrialization, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is articulated in our UN Cooperation framework with government 

• I would like to encourage continued collaboration between government institutions, development partners, academia, and the private sector to ensure that LiSA operates sustainably, achieves accreditation, and delivers reliable services to businesses and consumers alike.

• I applaud the technical staff and leadership of LiSA for their dedication and professionalism in advancing standards and quality infrastructure in Liberia.

• I  Reaffirm the UN’s continued partnership with Liberia in strengthening institutions, fostering economic resilience, and building systems that safeguard citizens and unlock opportunities for future generations. As well as promote continued opportunities for investment promotion 

• To conclude by expressing confidence that today’s inauguration marks not the end of a process, but the beginning of a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive Liberian food system.

I reiterate the UN’s continued support of youth development in Liberia.

Thank all.