By: Julius Konton
Liberia on Friday renewed its commitment to global cooperation and results-driven diplomacy as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai hosted a New Year’s Reception in honor of members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and international development partners at the Executive Mansion.
The high-level gathering, held in the Mansion’s gardens, brought together more than 60 ambassadors, heads of missions, representatives of multilateral institutions, and senior Liberian government officials, reflecting Liberia’s expanding diplomatic footprint and renewed engagement with the international community.
A Moment of Renewal and Strategic Reflection
Addressing guests, President Boakai described the reception as both a moment of appreciation and a platform for renewing partnerships that have underpinned Liberia’s journey from conflict to peace and toward sustainable development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reposition Liberia on the global stage, emphasizing diplomacy grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and measurable benefits for citizens.
“We are grateful for what you bring to our country, the friendship, the interest, and the partnership.
We value your presence and your role in Liberia’s progress,” President Boakai said.
Liberia’s Deep Diplomatic Roots
The President reflected on Liberia’s long-standing engagement in global diplomacy, recalling the country’s early participation in the League of Nations, its role as a founding signatory of the United Nations in 1945, and its historic contributions to Africa’s continental integration efforts.
With more than 175 years of statehood, Liberia remains Africa’s oldest republic and one of the continent’s earliest advocates of multilateral cooperation.
UN Security Council Role and Global Responsibility
President Boakai expressed appreciation to diplomatic partners for their support in Liberia’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a two-year tenure that officially commenced in January 2026.
Liberia’s return to the Security Council only the second time in its history comes at a period marked by global conflict, geopolitical rivalry, climate emergencies, and economic uncertainty.
The President assured partners that Liberia would approach its mandate with humility, purpose, and a strong commitment to international peace and stability.
Development Cooperation Amid Global Constraints
Despite tightening global development financing and economic headwinds affecting donor nations, President Boakai acknowledged that Liberia continues to benefit from robust international cooperation, particularly in peacebuilding, governance reform, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and private sector growth.
According to government data, development partners currently support over 40 percent of Liberia’s public investment portfolio, including energy access, road connectivity, health system strengthening, and food security initiatives.
Economic Diplomacy at the Core
The President outlined his administration’s priority areas for expanded collaboration, including:
Trade and investment promotion
Energy transition and climate resilience
Digital innovation and connectivity
Food security and agricultural modernization
Human capital development and youth employment
He stressed that diplomacy must deliver tangible outcomes, noting that its true success is reflected in better classrooms, stronger clinics, expanded jobs, and improved living standards.
Regional Integration and Stability
Reaffirming Liberia’s regional commitments, President Boakai highlighted cooperation through ECOWAS, the Mano River Union, and the African Union, emphasizing that a stable and prosperous West Africa is essential to shared global progress.
Tribute to Longstanding Partners
The Liberian leader extended special appreciation to Sweden for its decades-long partnership with Liberia and paid tribute to members of the diplomatic community concluding their assignments, assuring them that their service and friendship would remain deeply valued by the Liberian people.
As the event concluded, President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s readiness to deepen diplomatic engagement based on trust, cooperation, and collective prosperity.
