A new chapter in liberia’s global engagement

ADDRESS TO THE NATION: A NEW CHAPTER IN LIBERIA’S GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
Delivered By
His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia
On Liberia’s Election to the United Nations Security Council (2026–2027)
Excellencies;
Distinguished Delegates;
Fellow Liberians;
Friends of Liberia:
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our nation’s history. The United
Nations Security Council has honored us with a non-permanent seat for 2026-2027,
recognizing our resilience, commitment to peace, and dedication to global cooperation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all UN Member States for their confidence. This is a
moment of honor and humility for our 178-year-old republic, Africa’s first independent
nation, whose long and storied journey continues to inspire.
Our election is not just a national achievement. It symbolizes African perseverance and is a
tribute to generations of Liberians who have held firm to freedom, self-governance, and
global solidarity. From our role in the League of Nations and as a founding member of the
United Nations to our contributions to African independence, Liberia has always punched
above its weight on the global stage.
We honor the memory of Ambassador Angie Brooks-Randolph, Africa’s first female
President of the UN General Assembly, whose call for substance over symbolism still
echoes. And we recall the foresight of President William R. Tolbert Jr., who warned that
global peace was impossible without African freedom and justice.
Liberia has walked a difficult road from conflict to recovery, but it has never been alone. We
remain grateful to the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union for their role in our
peace process. We especially pay tribute to the two hundred and two United Nations
peacekeepers who died in the cause of Liberia.
From the ruins of war, Liberia has risen as a democracy, holding successive peaceful
elections and achieving historic power transfers. Today’s election affirms Liberia is again a
credible and relevant voice on the world stage.
Unlike our first partial term in 1961, today’s election is a testament to our nation’s journey
toward peace and reconciliation. We have overcome conflict and are poised to contribute
meaningfully to global peace-building and conflict resolution. It validates Liberia’s
commitment to international peace and our readiness to contribute meaningfully at the
highest level.
We take on this responsibility during global uncertainty, marked by persistent conflicts,
climate-related insecurity, terrorism, and development disparities. Liberia will be a
principled and dependable voice on the Council. We will advocate for Africa, the
developing world, and inclusive, lasting peace.
Drawing from our own experience of reconciliation and nation – building, we will promote
conflict prevention, support peacekeeping reform, and champion the protection of
civilians, especially women and children. Liberia will also continue its growing role as a
troop-contributing country to UN missions.
To our African brothers and sisters, we pledge to be your voice. To the global South, we offer
solidarity. And to all UN members, we promise constructive engagement and bridgebuilding diplomacy rooted in Liberia’s humility, honesty, and freedom values.
We stand on the shoulders of giants, including Presidents Joseph Jenkins Roberts, Edwin
Barclay, William V.S. Tubman, William R. Tolbert, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who flew the
flag of Liberia high on the international stage, other icons of this democracy we enjoy today,
as well as countless unsung heroes who kept our nation’s spirit alive through adversity. This
moment is the fruit of their labor and prayers.
To all Liberians at home and abroad, this victory is yours. Let us rally together to make this
tenure a success. When Liberia sits at the Council, it will be your hopes, resilience, and
dreams that she will carry.
I thank our Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s
Permanent Mission to the UN, campaign teams in New York, Monrovia, and Addis Ababa,
and all those across government who made this achievement possible. You have worked
hard to open a new chapter in our nation’s global engagement.
As promised in our campaign, Liberia’s voice at the Council will reflect our people. We will
consult with women and youth nationwide to ensure our representation is inclusive and
grounded.
This new chapter in our global engagement presents opportunities for growth,
collaboration, and progress. I call upon all Liberians to embrace this moment and work
together to build a brighter future for our nation and the world.
May God bless the Republic of Liberia, ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United
Nations.
Thank you