President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has used his first address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to call for the renewal of multilateralism, urgent climate action, reforms to the international financial system, and the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
Delivering his remarks under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” President Boakai underscored that the United Nations remains the most vital platform for international cooperation, even as its credibility is increasingly questioned.
“Reversal of multilateralism is not an option for a just and peaceful world,” Boakai declared. “The credibility of the United Nations depends on our ability to act together in the service of humanity, rather than apart in the pursuit of narrow interests.”
The president expressed gratitude to UN member states for electing Liberia to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, the country’s first full tenure since signing the UN Charter in 1945.
“While the nameplate during this two-year term will read ‘Liberia,’ the seat, however, belongs to Africa,” Boakai said. “We are committed to ensuring that Liberia’s contributions are shaped by our hard-earned experiences in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and governance.”
He emphasized that Liberia would advocate for Africa’s fair representation through permanent membership on the Security Council, calling it a central part of long-overdue UN reform.
Referencing wars in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Boakai stressed that peace remains fragile and requires constant defense. He reaffirmed Liberia’s support for mediation in global conflicts, particularly the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
“Liberia stands on the common African position for the realization of the two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security,” he stated.
Boakai reminded the Assembly of Liberia’s own history, noting that the country has achieved three peaceful democratic transitions since 2003 after decades of civil conflict. “Rising from the ruins of civil war, Liberia knows all too well the human cost of conflict and the importance of peace,” he said.
Turning to the climate crisis, the Liberian leader warned that climate change is already devastating lives and livelihoods in his country. “For Liberia, climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality,” he said, citing rising seas, severe storms, and worsening food insecurity.
He outlined Liberia’s efforts, including coastal defense projects, early warning systems, and a blue economy strategy, but insisted that global support is essential.
“Above all, we call for Climate Justice—those who contribute the least to this crisis should not be forced to suffer the most,” Boakai urged, while pressing for the capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and the full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Boakai also joined other Global South leaders in demanding urgent reforms to the international financial system, which he said burdens developing countries with debt at the expense of education and health.
“The current international financial architecture is outdated, unjust, and defiant of the objectives of shared prosperity,” he said. “Shared prosperity requires a system that truly leaves no nation behind.”
On the domestic front, Boakai presented his government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, focusing on agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, tourism, and technology. He said the agenda aligns with Liberia’s Vision 2030 and is designed to reduce inequality, strengthen governance, and transform the nation into a lower-middle-income country.
He also reiterated his government’s anti-corruption drive, citing accountability measures such as mandatory asset declarations for public officials.
Crucially, Boakai renewed Liberia’s call for international support to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court, which he said would advance reconciliation and justice for victims of Liberia’s brutal civil conflicts.
“These efforts are complex and challenging, but they are essential steps toward achieving lasting peace and genuine national healing,” he stressed.
Concluding his address, Boakai said the challenges of the 21st century—conflict, climate change, inequality, and stalled progress on the Sustainable Development Goals—demand greater collective action.
“Using outdated 1945 solutions to tackle 2025 challenges is neither reasonable nor realistic,” he said. “Liberia pledges to remain a bridge to peace, a development partner, and a defender of human rights. Over the next 80 years, we will continue to honor the promise of 1945 by renewing our commitment to a world where peace is just, development is inclusive, and dignity is universal.”
