Liberia Launches Road to UN Security Council Presidency: Foreign Minister Nyanti Highlights Nation’s Historic Journey from Sanctions to Global Leadership

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia officially launched its “Road to the United Nations Security Council Presidency,” marking a historic milestone as the country prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in December 2026, for the first time in 65 years. The launch took place on Monday, October 26 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the official commemoration of United Nations Day, under the theme “Liberia on the United Nations Security Council: From Sustaining Peace at Home to Advancing Peace and Security Globally.”

Delivering special remarks, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reflected on the nation’s extraordinary transformation from a country devastated by civil war and subjected to United Nations sanctions to one now preparing to preside over the world’s foremost body responsible for international peace and security.

“This is not about an event; it is about a process through history,” Minister Nyanti declared, emphasizing that Liberia’s return to the Security Council is the culmination of decades of diplomatic engagement, national resilience and the collective contributions of successive administrations.

Minister Nyanti paid special tribute to Liberia’s former foreign ministers and distinguished diplomats whose leadership helped shape the country’s international standing over the years.

Among those recognized were Ambassador H. Boima Fahnbulleh,  Monie R. Captan, Ambassador Lewis G. Brown, Senator Thomas Nimely, Ambassador George Wallace, Madam Olubanke King-Akerele,  Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Ambassador Toga McIntosh, Madam Marjon Kamara, Senator Gbehzohngar Findley and Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah.

She also highlighted Liberia’s longstanding contributions to the United Nations, recalling the country’s first Security Council membership in 1961 and the service of prominent Liberians in senior UN leadership positions, including former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Ambassador Winston Tubman and herself.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that Liberia’s diplomatic achievements must be viewed as a shared national legacy rather than the accomplishment of any single administration, while calling for greater investment in preparing qualified Liberians for leadership positions within international institutions.

Reflecting on Liberia’s difficult history, Minister Nyanti recalled how the Security Council adopted several resolutions imposing sanctions on Liberia during the civil conflict, including restrictions involving arms, diamonds, timber and travel. She contrasted that painful chapter with Liberia’s remarkable recovery through national reconciliation, democratic governance and international partnership.

The Minister paid particular tribute to the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, whose courageous efforts helped bring an end to the civil war and acknowledged the vital role of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in supporting the country’s post-conflict recovery.

She also recognized Liberia’s peaceful democratic transitions, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to former President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf and peace activist -Leymah Gbowee and the lifting of the remaining UN sanctions in 2016 as defining milestones in the country’s journey.

Today, the same country that once appeared before the Security Council as a nation in crisis is preparing to lead its deliberations on international peace and security.

As part of the launch, Minister Nyanti unveiled a calendar of national engagements designed to celebrate Liberia’s peacebuilding journey and mobilize public participation ahead of the December presidency. Key activities include a diplomatic briefing and reception on October 30, the unveiling of a proposed National War Memorial model, and the official launch of Liberia’s Feminist Foreign Policy on November 17, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to women’s leadership and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Other planned engagements include the launch of a Compendium of Liberia’s Peace Agreements, a Presidential Dinner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a national event recognizing the importance of maritime seafarers, and a Model United Nations Security Council Debate aimed at encouraging greater youth participation and public engagement in international affairs.

These engagements will culminate in Liberia’s historic December presidency, during which a high-level signature debate on maritime security is scheduled for December 3, 2026, expected to be Chaired by Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia.

President Boakai, who officially launched the Road to UNSC Presidency,   disclosed that Liberia will approach its upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council with humility, responsibility and a stronger voice, drawing on the country’s experience in overcoming civil conflict, advancing reconciliation and promoting post-war peacebuilding to contribute to international peace and security.

The Liberian Leader described Liberia’s election to the Security Council in 2025 for the 2026–2027 term as a historic achievement, reflecting the country’s renewed engagement in international affairs and its growing role in advancing peace and security.

He expressed the country’s support for multilateral cooperation and stronger partnerships among nations, emphasizing that global challenges require collective action.

These challenges, he noted, include climate change, irregular migration, poverty, widening inequality, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“The international order is being shaped now, and Liberia is at the table,” President Boakai declared, highlighting the importance of ensuring that developing countries have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the international community.

For her part, UN Resident Coordinator Madam Christine Umutoni said countries must continue to prioritize dialogue over conflict and peace over disputes.

She urged member states to reaffirm their commitment to the shared values and obligations underpinning the United Nations, stressing that the need to uphold the UN Charter and international law has become more critical than ever.

Umutoni also highlighted the importance of strengthening the global organization to ensure it remains capable of serving people effectively and addressing the complex challenges facing the world.

The celebration marked 81 years since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, following the Second World War, with the organization continuing to play a central role in promoting international peace and security, protecting human rights, advancing sustainable development and providing humanitarian assistance.

The launch also celebrated the foreign policy leadership of President Boakai  under whose administration Liberia secured its historic election to the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.

A commemorative billboard recognizing the President as “Liberia’s Foreign Policy Legacy President” was unveiled, highlighting the administration’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s international standing, advancing economic diplomacy and expanding global partnerships.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Liberia’s Security Council presidency is not simply a government achievement, but a moment of national pride and shared responsibility for all Liberians.