26/10/2026
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Highlights Liberia’s Historic UN Security Council Journey and Honors President Boakai’s Foreign Policy Legacy
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia has commemorated the country's historic election to the United Nations Security Council, describing the achievement as the culmination of eight decades of diplomatic engagement, democratic resilience, and international leadership.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the commemoration of United Nations Day, attended by senior government officials, including the president, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., members of the Legislature, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and development partners, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti traced Liberia's diplomatic journey from its role as a founding signatory of the United Nations Charter in 1945 to its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized that Liberia was among only four African nations that signed the UN Charter on June 26, 1945, helping establish the international organization and its six principal organs: the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat.
"Today is a very important day in Liberia's history," Minister Nyanti declared, noting that Liberia's election to the Security Council in June 2025 with 181 votes out of 187 represented a defining moment in the country's diplomatic evolution.
A Legacy Built Over Generations
The Minister stressed that Liberia's ascension to the Security Council was not the result of a single administration or event but the product of decades of sustained diplomatic efforts by successive governments and foreign ministers.
She paid tribute to former Secretaries of State and Ministers of Foreign Affairs who, over the years, served as custodians of Liberia's foreign policy and advanced the country's interests on the international stage.
"This journey is not about an event. It is about a process through history," she said. "Each of these leaders, at different points in time, carried the responsibility of representing the Republic and safeguarding our diplomatic legacy."
Liberia's Historic Contributions to International Affairs
Recounting key milestones in Liberia's foreign policy history, Minister Nyanti highlighted the country's collaboration with Ethiopia in challenging apartheid South Africa before the International Court of Justice during the 1960s, underscoring Liberia's long-standing commitment to justice, freedom, and African solidarity.
She also reflected on Liberia's service on the Security Council in 1961 during a General Assembly voting deadlock and celebrated Ambassador Angie Elizabeth Brooks' historic election in 1969 as President of the 24th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, making her the first African and first African woman to hold the prestigious position.
The Minister further recognized Liberia's contributions within the UN system, noting that the country has produced three Assistant Secretaries-General of the United Nations: former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Winston Tubman, and Minister Nyanti herself.
From Conflict to Peacebuilding Leadership
The Foreign Minister acknowledged Liberia's difficult experiences during the civil conflict years, recalling Security Council sanctions imposed on the country through various resolutions affecting diamonds, timber, travel, and arms.
She noted, however, that Liberia transformed these challenges into opportunities for national renewal. Key milestones cited included the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace movement in 2003, the signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), and the gradual lifting of sanctions between 2006 and 2016.
Minister Nyanti further highlighted Liberia's record of peaceful democratic transitions in 2005, 2011, 2017, and 2023 as evidence of the country's political maturity and commitment to democratic governance.
"We Liberians did that," she remarked, attributing the country's progress to the resilience and determination of its people.
Liberia Takes Its Place in Global Decision-Making
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia formally assumed its seat on the UN Security Council on January 1, 2026, bringing with it a unique history shaped by peacebuilding, democratic governance, women's leadership, and support for international cooperation.
Minister Nyanti described the Security Council as the most influential organ of the United Nations, noting that it remains the only UN body whose decisions are binding on member states.
She emphasized that Liberia's presence on the Council offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security discussions while amplifying African perspectives on critical international issues.
"With all of our history, experiences, challenges, and successes, Liberia took her seat at the table where decisions are made that shape the future of the world," she stated.
Activities Leading to Liberia's Security Council Presidency
The Ministry announced a series of national activities leading up to Liberia's presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December 2026.
Planned events include diplomatic briefings with members of the diplomatic and consular corps, the establishment of a Peace and Reconciliation Museum, the unveiling of a national war memorial, the launch of Africa's first gender-responsive foreign policy, maritime safety and security discussions, youth Model United Nations Security Council debates, and an interfaith prayer service for peace.
A key highlight will occur on 3 December 2026, when President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is expected to chair a high-level Security Council debate on maritime security as Liberia presides over the Council.
“President Boakai Honored as "Foreign Policy Legacy President"
As part of the commemorative event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled a billboard honoring President Boakai for what it described as significant foreign policy achievements during his first three years in office.
The billboard recognizes accomplishments including Liberia's successful election to the UN Security Council, expansion of diplomatic relations with additional countries, progress in maritime diplomacy, strengthened leadership in regional peace and security initiatives, and Liberia's assumption of the presidency of the ECOWAS Court for the first time in the organization's history.
The Ministry designated President Boakai as Liberia's “Foreign Policy Legacy President," citing his administration's role in elevating Liberia's profile in international affairs and positioning the country as an active contributor to global peace and security.
A Message to Future Generations
Concluding her remarks, Minister Nyanti encouraged young Liberians to study the country's diplomatic history and appreciate Liberia's contributions to international governance, peace, and democracy.
She emphasized that while Liberia has faced significant challenges throughout its history, the nation has consistently demonstrated resilience and leadership on the world stage.
"We have had our challenges, but we are nothing small," the Minister said. "Liberia's story is one of perseverance, courage, and international relevance. As we prepare to lead the Security Council, we do so with pride, dignity, and a renewed commitment to advancing peace, security, and cooperation for all nations."
About the Initiative
The event forms part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' public diplomacy campaign aimed at educating citizens, particularly young people, about Liberia's diplomatic history and the significance of the country's election to the United Nations Security Council. The campaign celebrates Liberia's contributions to international peace, democracy, and multilateral cooperation while highlighting the country's growing role in shaping global affairs.