New York, September 23, 2025 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has addressed the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), urging world leaders to strengthen multilateral cooperation, accelerate climate action, reform global financial systems, and support Liberia’s call for a War and Economic Crimes Court.
Speaking under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” President Boakai underscored Liberia’s historic role as one of the four African nations that signed the UN Charter in 1945, while reaffirming his country’s commitment to peace, justice, and international cooperation.
Liberia on UN Security Council
The President highlighted Liberia’s election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, describing it as historic. “While the nameplate will read ‘Liberia,’ the seat belongs to Africa,” he declared, pledging to push for Africa’s permanent representation on the Council.
Peace, Conflicts, and Reconciliation
Referencing wars in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Boakai emphasized Liberia’s support for peaceful conflict resolution. He backed mediation efforts in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reiterating Africa’s position for a two-state solution.
“Rising from the ruins of civil war, Liberia knows all too well the human cost of conflict and the importance of peace,” the President reminded delegates, citing his nation’s record of three peaceful democratic transitions since 2003.
He renewed Liberia’s request for international support to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court, stressing that justice and accountability are critical for national healing and reconciliation.
Climate Change: A Present Danger
Boakai warned that climate change is already devastating Liberia. “Rising seas are eroding our coasts, while storms and heavy rains devastate communities and exacerbate food insecurity,” he said. Liberia is advancing coastal defense projects, carbon market policies, and a blue economy strategy but called for urgent global climate justice, particularly through full capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Global Financial Reform and Shared Prosperity
The President criticized the current international financial architecture as “outdated and unjust,” stressing that many developing countries spend more on debt servicing than on health or education. He joined the Global South in demanding fairer debt relief mechanisms and financing that promotes sustainable development.
The ARREST Agenda at Home
At the national level, Boakai outlined his government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Health, and Tourism/Technology. He said this agenda aligns with Liberia’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform the country into a lower-middle-income nation.
“We are strengthening governance through accountability measures, including asset declarations, to promote transparency and service delivery,” the Liberian leader added.
Commitment to Global Goals
Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), warning that progress is “too slow” but stressing that achieving the SDGs must be treated as a global emergency. Liberia will present its next Voluntary National Review in 2026.
Closing Pledge
In closing, President Boakai pledged Liberia’s continued role as “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,” he told world leaders.
