Amb. Fyneah Presents Letters of Credence to Secretary-General António Guterres As She Takes over Liberia’s Mission to the UN

New York – Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Sarah Safyn Fyneah, on Monday, February 13, 2023, presented her Letters of Credence to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, at a ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Ambassador Fyneah conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, and expressed that her appointment was a demonstration of the President and Liberia’s commitment to the fundamental tenets of the United Nations. The Liberian Ambassador recalled the United Nation’s role in Liberia’s transition from conflict to sustained peace and stated that Liberia remains grateful.

Amb. Fyneah then assured of Liberia’s commitment to constructively engage the United Nations and Member States on the critical issues of human rights, food security, peace and security and climate change, emphasizing that she has come with a renewed vigor to work with allies on shared values that address these global challenges.

Amb Fyneah: “It is my highest professional privilege to serve as Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Nations and I am deeply grateful to my President, His Excellency, Dr. George Manneh Weah, for placing his trust in me and I look forward to this incredible opportunity to articulate and promote Liberia’s values and interest. Equally so I am here to robustly contribute to my President’s vision and personal initiative of Liberia becoming a Non-Permanent Member on the UN Security Council 2026-2027 at elections to take place in 2025; and increase Liberia’s visibility and representation at the UN, amongst others.”

The Liberian diplomat also used the occasion to reiterate calls for continuous United Nations support to the upcoming Presidential and Legislative elections and opportunities to promote Liberia’s National Development Plan– the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).

In response, Secretary-General António Guterres hailed Liberia’s transition from what he described as a very difficult situation to peace and expressed appreciation for the partnership between the United Nations and Liberia.

The Secretary General also hailed Liberia’s expression of interest in seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and said he was not surprised by the endorsement of Liberia’s candidature by the African Union.

The UN boss assured that Liberia has a special place in his heart and could count on the United Nations’ full support and commitment to the upcoming elections and the country’s development drive.

Ambassador Fyneah joins the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations with a wealth of experience working in Government, the United Nations System and other international organizations, as well as the Liberian media.

She began her diplomatic career, driven by the Government’s desire for a Foreign Policy shift to economic and development diplomacy, aimed to promote a robust post conflict recovery and development agenda.  She previously served as Assistant Minister/Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, followed by foreign service assignments to Freetown, Sierra Leone, Doha, Qatar, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Washington DC, the United States of America.