MONROVIA, Liberia – Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), delivered a powerful keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) on Monday, March 3, 2025. The ceremony, held at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the graduation of a new generation of Liberian diplomats.
In his address, Commissioner Lighe emphasized the pivotal role that diplomacy plays in Liberia’s future, urging the graduates to approach their responsibilities with integrity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to national development. “You, the new cohort of diplomats, are poised to become the stewards of Liberia’s place in the world,” he told the graduates. “You will carry our hopes, our values, and our dreams as you represent us on the global stage.”
He spoke about the ever-evolving nature of global diplomacy, touching on critical issues such as shifting global power dynamics, technological advancements, and climate change. Lighe urged the new diplomats to advocate for sustainable development and to engage actively in international cooperation. “The world is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and Liberia’s voice must be strong, clear, and strategic in global discussions,” he stated.
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of multilateralism, particularly in light of Liberia’s aspirations for a seat on the United Nations Security Council and its efforts to maintain its Category “A” membership on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. He called on the graduates to support Liberia’s diplomatic goals and use their training to navigate complex international negotiations.
Furthermore, Lighe encouraged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to integrate FSI graduates into the country’s foreign service by providing them with opportunities for professional growth and exposure. “The Ministry should endeavor to provide opportunities for graduates to gain experience in different areas of foreign service, ensuring that they are well-equipped to represent Liberia at bilateral and multilateral forums,” he remarked.
As he concluded his speech, Lighe reminded the graduates that the true essence of diplomacy lies in building bridges and fostering peace. “The measure of a true diplomat is not how many deals they make, but how many lives they change,” he said.
The graduation ceremony, attended by senior government officials, faculty members, parents, and media representatives, celebrated the achievements of the graduates and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic capacity. The Foreign Service Institute remains an essential institution in preparing Liberia’s future diplomats to effectively represent the nation on the global stage.
