Citizen Broadcasting Service Network

UNITED NATIONS ADDRESS BY
His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia
To the
81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All”

United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York, USA

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Mr. President;
Mr. Secretary-General;
Excellencies;
Distinguished Delegates:

On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I congratulate Your Excellency, Khalilur Rahman, on your election as President of the Eighty-First Session of the General Assembly, and I assure you of Liberia's full support. We also thank Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock for her leadership during the Eightieth Session. As Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to conclude his tenure, Liberia salutes his principled leadership and tireless commitment to reform.

Mr. President, the theme of this session, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” frames, in our view, a lingering crisis of legitimacy and relevance that demands urgent attention.

Trust in multilateralism is broken and needs to be restored, not because the principles of the Charter are no longer relevant, but because we have applied them inconsistently and selectively, fueling global fragmentation. Our answer to that fragmentation cannot be less multilateralism. It must be better multilateralism!

Eighty years ago, Liberia was among only four African nations to sign the Charter establishing the United Nations, believing then, as we do now, that a peaceful world rests on international law, respect for human rights and dignity, and a commitment to development. Having risen from the ashes of conflict to become a resilient democracy, Liberia is living proof that dialogue can overcome division and that institutions can be rebuilt.

This same spirit defines our national governance today. Under my Administration, Liberia is strengthening public accountability, ensuring prudent financial management, intensifying the fight against corruption, and supporting the judiciary in rebuilding citizens' confidence in the institutions that serve them.

Mr. President, without peace, development is impossible, and without inclusive development, peace is an illusion. Across the raging theater of conflict, innocent civilians continue to pay the unacceptable price of war. We renew our call for an immediate end to all hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access, and full respect for international humanitarian law.

Prevention must be at the heart of international peace and security. Investing in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and early warning is not only morally imperative but also fiscally prudent: the cost of preventing a war pales in comparison to the cost of rebuilding a broken society.

As a current member of the United Nations Security Council, Liberia is putting these principles into practice while confronting evolving threats across West Africa, including transnational organized crime, cyber warfare, and illicit narcotics trafficking along maritime corridors in the Gulf of Guinea. Through our Joint Security forces, we are tightening the vise on transnational drug cartels. No nation can police global criminal networks alone, so we call on international partners for targeted support in coast guard surveillance, intelligence sharing, and port security technologies.

Sustainable Development and Reforming the International Financial System

Mr. President, as we enter the home stretch of the 2030 Agenda, developing nations are being squeezed by unsustainable debt, shrinking fiscal space, and mounting external shocks. At its core, this is a crisis of an international financial system designed for a different era.

Liberia calls for urgent, structural reform of the international financial architecture. Developing nations need concessional financing, debt sustainability, and predictable development capital, not escalating interest rates that threaten survival.

At the heart of this reform must be a fairer voice and vote for developing countries within the Bretton Woods institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, whose governance still reflects the world of 1945 rather than the world of today. A financial system that decides the fate of billions cannot continue to be governed by so few. Reform of the international financial system is not a technical exercise; it is a precondition for delivering the Sustainable Development Goals and for restoring the very trust this Assembly is meeting to discuss.

At home, my Government is driving transformation through our national development blueprint, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. This year, we have made concrete strides in revenue administration and infrastructure, including rural roads linking farms to markets.

Liberia contributes virtually nothing to global emissions, yet our communities face coastal erosion, flooding, and disrupted agricultural cycles. My country also harbors 42 percent of the remaining Upper Guinean Rainforest, a vital global carbon sink that we maintain on behalf of all humanity. Climate responsibility must be paired with climate justice: we call on industrial nations to honor their financing pledges and operationalize loss-and-damage mechanisms.

Democracy, Human Rights, and Responsible Innovation

Mr. President, the ultimate measure of governance is inclusion. In Africa, over 60 percent of our population is under 25, the single greatest engine of innovation on Earth. We must equip our youth with STEM education, digital literacy, and technical training so they become co-creators in the global digital economy, not just consumers.

Gender equality remains essential. When women lead, peace agreements last longer, economies grow faster, and governance becomes more accountable. Liberia remains committed to full political, economic, and social equality for women and girls.

Liberia welcomes global efforts to govern new technologies, including the Secretary-General's Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. Developing nations must not be left behind as mere consumers of algorithms designed elsewhere; we must be supported in building true digital sovereignty. We join calls for binding ethical norms and greater regulation of artificial intelligence, particularly in warfare. Innovation must protect human development, not automate human destruction.

Reforming Global Governance: Correcting a Historic Injustice

Mr. President, eighty years of patience is enough. The time for structural reform is now. While we welcome the UN80 Reform Agenda to make this Organization agile, efficient, and accountable, true reform must address a core structural issue: the UN Security Council. Africa is home to 1.5 billion people and accounts for nearly one-third of UN membership. Yet eighty percent of Security Council mandates concern African peace and security, while Africa remains without a single permanent seat on the organ responsible for global peace. This historical injustice is no longer tenable.

Liberia reaffirms its support for the Common African Position on the Proposed Reform of the United Nations Security Council. We celebrate the presentation of the African Model during the recent Intergovernmental Negotiations, which advances us toward text-based negotiations. Africa demands no fewer than two permanent seats, with all accompanying rights and responsibilities, including the veto so long as it exists, as well as additional non-permanent seats. Correcting this imbalance is not a favor to Africa; it is necessary to restore the United Nations' trust, credibility, and legitimacy.

Conclusion

Mr. President, the choice before the Eighty-First General Assembly is stark. We can allow multilateralism to drift toward irrelevance, or we can change course and act boldly to restore trust, credibility, and legitimacy. Liberia's journey, from civil conflict to constitutional democracy and from broken institutions to accountable governance, shows what is possible when nations commit, deliberately and consistently, to restoring trust and managing transformation.

As we did in San Francisco in 1945, Liberia is ready, together with all member states, to save mankind from the scourge of war, guarantee human dignity, and leave no one behind.

Let us leave this Assembly committed to a United Nations that not only deliberates on crises but also resolves them, that restores trust through results, protects the vulnerable, honors the rights of all nations, and secures a peaceful planet for generations to come.

Thank you.

"𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧ce 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 (𝐅𝐈𝐔) 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧"

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Stephen M. Yekeson, Jr., has continued a series of high-level engagements with key stakeholders across Liberia’s public and private sectors as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional coordination, collaboration, and partnership.

The engagements are aimed at fostering constructive dialogue and identifying areas of mutual cooperation that can contribute to the effective implementation of the Ministry’s mandate and broader national development objectives. The Acting Minister has consistently emphasized that meaningful collaboration among government institutions and relevant stakeholders remains essential to achieving sustainable results.
Today, Hon. Yekeson held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

During the meeting, the two institutions exchanged perspectives and shared constructive ideas on areas of common interest, with particular emphasis on strengthening coordination and exploring opportunities for enhanced institutional cooperation.

The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining open communication and collaborative partnerships among government institutions in addressing emerging challenges and advancing Liberia’s economic and governance priorities.

Since assuming the role of Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Yekeson has continued to prioritize stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration, recognizing these as important components in advancing the Ministry’s vision, mandate, and commitment to serving the Liberian people.

President Boakai Makes New Appointments in Government

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Executive Mansion, Monrovia: – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has made three new appointments in Government, affecting the Office of the Ombudsman, the Internal Audit Agency and the Ministry of Local Government.

At the Office of the Ombudsman, Atty. Etmonia Mueadeh Martin becomes the Acting Chairperson, Ombudsman Commission

At the Internal Audit Agency, Mr. David A. Kemah is renominated as Director General.

Mr. Emmanuel A. Lomax is appointed Acting Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Local Government

These appointees will act in their respective capacities pending confirmation by the Senate.

President is urging all appointed officials to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity, and steadfast leadership to national service.

Signed:

Atty. Kula B.N. Fofana
Presidential Press Secretary pop

President Boakai Sets 15% Female Representation Target in the Armed Forces Of Liberia by 2028

NEW YORK, USA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai says Liberia is targeting 15 per cent female representation in the Armed Forces of Liberia by 2028, as part of efforts to increase women’s participation in peace and security.

President Boakai made the statement on Monday at the launch of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, organised by the Ministry of Gender on the sidelines of the United Nations Security Council meeting in the United States.

He said the AFL, in partnership with UN Women Liberia, launched a two-year initiative in February 2026 to remove institutional barriers, strengthen the recruitment and retention of women, and expand opportunities for their deployment and leadership in UN peacekeeping missions.

The President said the 15 per cent target by 2028 will contribute to Liberia’s broader national goal of achieving 40 per cent female representation by 2030.

“Liberia does not intend to advocate for women’s participation in peacebuilding around the world while failing to create space for women at home,” President Boakai said.

The Third National Action Plan will guide Liberia’s efforts through 2031, focusing on conflict prevention, protection and access to justice, women’s participation, relief and recovery, and accountability and financing.

President Boakai pledged political support, institutional coordination and resources to implement the plan, saying it must be treated as a shared national undertaking.

He said the plan addresses not only the legacy of Liberia’s civil wars but also emerging threats, including climate pressures, democratic reversals, violent extremism, transnational crime, displacement and economic insecurity.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Liberia will use its position, including its planned presidency of the Council in December, to advance the women, peace and security agenda, President Boakai said.

He also highlighted the historic role of Liberian women in ending the civil war, saying women mobilised through markets, churches, mosques and communities and helped drive the country’s peace process.

President Boakai formally launched the Third National Action Plan, saying it seeks to ensure that women and girls can live safely, participate fully and help shape Liberia’s future.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE CONFIRMS A JAILBREAK AT KAKATA CENTRAL PRISON

(MONROVIA, LIBERIA - September 20, 2026) The Ministry of Justice informs the public that a jailbreak has occurred at the Kakata Central Prison in Margibi County, resulting in the escape of a number of inmates from the facility.

The Joint Security of Liberia has been alerted and a search and recapture operation is ongoing.

Currently, Security personnel are actively searching for and pursuing the escaped inmates.

The Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation is completing the verification and reconciliation of the prison records to establish the full details surrounding the jailbreak and escape, including the confirmed number and identities of the inmates involved.

Once this process is concluded, the Ministry of Justice will release the names and other identification information of the inmates who escaped and are on the run to assist the public and security authorities in their recapture.

The Ministry urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any information concerning the whereabouts of the escaped inmates to the nearest police station or other security authority. Members of the public are advised not to attempt to apprehend any of the escapees themselves or harbor.

The Joint Security is actively pursuing the matter and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Signed: _________________________________
Jutonu Y. Kollie
DIRECTOR OF PRESS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Ministry of Justice, R.L
Ministry of Justice - Liberia
Press Union of Liberia
Liberia National Police - LNP
Ministry of Information
Liberia National Fire Service

I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of the House of Representatives, to the people of Grand Bassa, the bereaved family, friends, and comrades of the late Janjay Baikpeh, a fallen stalwart of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Superintendent of Grand Bassa County.
As Speaker of the House of Representatives and an Executive Member of the governing Unity Party, I believe that moments of grief transcend political differences. In times such as these, we are reminded that, beyond our political affiliations, we are all Liberians bound by our common humanity, compassion, and respect for one another.
Today, as our brother and compatriot is laid to rest, we stand in solidarity with his family and loved ones. We mourn the loss of a fellow citizen whose life and service will remain part of the story of our nation.

RIP, Janjay.

Today, we join NIMBO-USA in honoring His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for his exemplary leadership and magnificent service to our beloved nation.

To all our compatriots and friends in the Diaspora, we warmly invite you to join us this evening at 7:00 PM in Cockeysville, Maryland, USA, for this historic and extraordinary celebration.

God bless Liberia! 🇱🇷

When the US$1.2 billion national budget was presented, there were doubts about whether such an ambitious target could be realized. Today, surpassing US$1 billion in domestic revenue collection has shown that the target was not merely an aspiration. It was achievable.

On behalf of the House of Representatives and, by extension, the Legislature, I commend President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Liberia Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, our hardworking taxpayers, businesses, and the Liberian people for this historic achievement.

This is more than a financial figure. It is a demonstration of Liberia’s growing capacity to mobilize domestic resources and finance its own development.

The task before us now is clear: turn increased revenue into tangible improvements in the lives of our people. This is where the oversight responsibility of the Legislature comes in. We will ensure that public resources are used responsibly, transparently, and for the benefit of the Liberian people.

A billion dollars raised is a billion dollars entrusted. Let us ensure every dollar works for Liberia.