In a bold move on the world stage, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia officially launched the nation’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2026.
During his address at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Boakai not only outlined Liberia’s aspirations but also tackled pressing global and national concerns, positioning Liberia as a potential strong voice in international diplomacy.
Boakai’s speech was a call for unity and collaboration among nations, fitting seamlessly into the General Assembly’s theme, “Unity in Diversity for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere.” With Liberia’s candidacy for the UNSC seat now public, the president emphasized the country’s history of multilateralism, commitment to global peace, and growing influence in regional affairs.
Highlighting Liberia’s peacekeeping legacy and its experience in post-conflict recovery, President Boakai expressed confidence in Liberia’s potential to serve on the Security Council. “This year’s assembly is a pivotal moment for Liberia’s bid to ascend to the African non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2026,” Boakai declared, calling on member states for their support.
He further emphasized Liberia’s unique position as a founding member of the United Nations and as a country that has seen firsthand the importance of global cooperation in maintaining peace. Boakai expressed the belief that Liberia could play a critical role in addressing both regional and international security challenges, including terrorism, political instability in West Africa, and ongoing conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Liberia’s bid for the Security Council comes alongside its steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which President Boakai affirmed as a national priority. He outlined Liberia’s “Vision 2030,” a long-term development plan aligned with the global SDGs, designed to eradicate poverty, improve infrastructure, and provide better access to health, education, and justice.
At the heart of this vision is Liberia’s “ARREST Agenda,” which focuses on agriculture, roads, education, sanitation, and tourism as critical sectors for growth. “Our development path aims to build a capable state and ensure that no one is left behind,” Boakai remarked. He acknowledged, however, that poverty remains a significant challenge, with more than half of Liberia’s population living below the poverty line.
President Boakai did not shy away from discussing Liberia’s ongoing internal challenges. Chief among them is the drug epidemic that has severely impacted the nation’s youth, who he noted make up 60% of the population. Boakai described the crisis as a “national security threat” and called for international support in tackling the spread of narcotics across the region.
Additionally, Liberia’s fight against maternal and newborn mortality was a focal point, with Boakai highlighting a recent United Nations H6 Joint Mission to Liberia aimed at reducing the alarming rates of newborn deaths. He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to strengthening health systems and improving access to essential services for women and children.
Turning to environmental concerns, Boakai framed Liberia as a key player in the fight against climate change. As the most forested country in West Africa, Liberia plays an essential role in preserving biodiversity, and the president committed to leading discussions on climate action within the region.
“Our government has called on stakeholders to begin reviewing the Paris Agreement, particularly under Article 6, to help establish Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions in combating climate change,” Boakai announced. He urged the international community to collaborate with Liberia on advancing the blue and green economy through investment and technology transfer.
In addition to Liberia’s international commitments, Boakai celebrated the country’s internal progress, particularly its peaceful democratic transitions. He proudly pointed out that Liberia has experienced nearly two decades of peace, holding four democratic elections since the end of its civil war, with the most recent being in 2023.
He acknowledged the importance of solidifying a “democratic culture” in Liberia, ensuring that its people benefit from the stability and peace earned over the past years. Part of this process includes confronting the country’s conflict-ridden past through transitional justice. Boakai underscored the significance of Executive Order 131, which established the Office for War and Economic Crimes Courts; a landmark move toward accountability for human rights violations during the country’s civil war.
In closing, Boakai called for unity in addressing the world’s many crises, from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine to the escalating security threats in West Africa. “The goals we set for ourselves and the future are better served on the foundation of peace and security,” he remarked. Boakai stressed the importance of collaboration among nations, particularly in West Africa, to maintain regional stability and prevent the region from becoming a proxy for external conflicts.
As Liberia gears up for its Security Council bid, Boakai’s message was clear: Liberia is ready to take a leading role in global governance, leveraging its historical commitment to peace, its progress toward sustainable development, and its emerging leadership in climate action.
“One UN, One World,” he concluded, affirming Liberia’s belief in a fair, peaceful, and sustainable world for all.
