President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of Liberia met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York during the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The meeting focused on issues such as peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, and Liberia’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
During their discussion, Secretary-General Guterres acknowledged Liberia’s ongoing support for refugees and displaced people, referencing his own experiences in the country. He congratulated President Boakai on Liberia’s new role at the Security Council and expressed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development. Guterres stated that the UN would align its country team’s activities with Liberia’s national priorities, including economic diplomacy, environmental protection, and social development.
President Boakai emphasized Liberia’s stance on peace, justice, and reconciliation. He highlighted the need to implement recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and expressed support for establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court. Boakai also discussed Liberia’s commitment to tackling climate change by protecting its rainforests—almost half of West Africa’s remaining rainforest is located within Liberia—and called for international partnerships to help preserve this resource.
The president outlined his administration’s focus on economic diplomacy to ensure transparent management of natural resources for all Liberians. He mentioned his government’s ARREST agenda which covers agriculture, education, health, sanitation, tourism, and youth development. Boakai stressed that international cooperation is necessary to address gaps resulting from previous challenges.
Secretary-General Guterres described President Boakai’s agenda as forward-looking in response to Liberia’s needs. He assured continued UN engagement with Liberia through mobilizing international support and fundraising for national programs while commending progress made by the government so far.
President Boakai thanked Secretary-General Guterres for his leadership and dedication to Liberia. He reiterated that Liberia is prepared to work closely with both the United Nations and international partners to promote peace, development, and shared prosperity.