Liberia has officially returned to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after a 64-year absence, as the world body on Friday installed the flags of five newly elected non-permanent members at UN Headquarters in New York.
The solemn ceremony marked the start of the 2026–2027 term for Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia.
Their national flags were raised in the Security Council’s garden quadrangle, symbolizing their entry into one of the UN’s most powerful decision-making bodies charged with safeguarding international peace and security.
Liberia was represented at the event by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis G. Brown, who accepted the honor on behalf of the nation and reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to serve.
“Liberia is prepared to engage constructively in the work of the Council, particularly in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and the advancement of human rights,” Ambassador Brown said. “Our return to the Security Council is both a moment of pride and a serious responsibility that we embrace with humility and determination.”
Liberia last served on the 15-member Security Council in 1961, making its return especially significant. The achievement is widely seen as a major diplomatic success resulting from an energetic campaign led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
Throughout 2025, Minister Nyanti pursued a strategy of proactive diplomacy, securing strong backing from regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
Her efforts helped consolidate broad international support, ultimately positioning Liberia as a consensus candidate within the Africa and Asia-Pacific grouping during the UN elections.
Celebrating the milestone on social media, Nyanti expressed national pride as Liberia’s flag was raised alongside those of other Council members. “Proudly Liberian. Raise the flag! UNSC Day One begins with the installation of our flag,” she wrote, thanking Ambassador Brown for representing the country.
She later described the moment as symbolic of more than just participation.
“This is not merely a flag,” she noted. “It represents Liberia’s voice on the global stage—a voice for peace, justice, and the multilateral cooperation that holds our world together.”
Liberia’s return to the Security Council comes amid heightened global tensions, with conflicts intensifying in several regions and renewed calls for reforms within international institutions.
As their flags now fly at UN Headquarters, Liberia and the other newly elected members are set to influence global security discussions, shaping decisions through diplomacy, negotiation, and collective action.
