New York, USA — Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., held a high-level bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The discussion focused on a range of critical global and national issues, including peace and reconciliation, sustainable development, climate action, and Liberia’s emerging role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Secretary-General Guterres extended warm congratulations to Liberia on its election to the Security Council, hailing it as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey. He praised Liberia’s history of hospitality toward refugees and displaced persons, noting his own personal connections to the country. Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s peacebuilding and development agenda, pledging closer coordination between the UN Country Team and Liberian authorities in areas such as economic diplomacy, environmental protection, and social development.
President Boakai reiterated his government’s commitment to peace, justice, and national reconciliation, stressing the importance of implementing the recommendations of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court as a step toward achieving lasting justice and accountability.
On environmental issues, President Boakai drew attention to Liberia’s ecological significance, pointing out that the country is home to nearly half of West Africa’s remaining rainforest. He called for robust international partnerships to protect this critical global resource, linking it to global climate mitigation efforts.
Boakai also outlined his administration’s development agenda, known by the acronym ARREST ~ Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism ~ emphasizing the role of economic diplomacy and transparent resource management in driving inclusive national growth.
Secretary-General Guterres praised President Boakai’s vision as a “forward-looking response” to Liberia’s longstanding challenges and affirmed the UN’s support for mobilizing international resources to back the country’s development initiatives.
President Boakai expressed gratitude for the Secretary-General’s continued engagement and leadership, pledging Liberia’s commitment to working with the UN and the broader international community to promote peace, development, and shared prosperity.
The meeting underscores Liberia’s renewed engagement on the global stage and its aspirations to contribute meaningfully to international peace and security.
