Monrovia – President George Manneh Weah has called on the United Nations to solve tension resulting from regional conflicts and increasing international security.
President Weah was speaking during the celebration of United Nations day in Monrovia, on October 24.
He said global tension is resulting to stress in the world’s economy which has negatively impacted many countries including Liberia.
“The global economy is also stressed by the introduction of trade protectionism and tariff wars between some of the major economies, which threatens free trade and negatively impact many countries, especially those in the developing world,” President Weah said.
As a result, President Weah stated that there is mass migration of people from poor countries fleeing oppression or seeking better economies.
The Liberian leader suggested that imbalances in income equality and social justice continue to remain high. He, however, said there is the reason for hope and not despair.
“I continue to have faith and confidence in the United Nation as the best universal institution to guide the nation of the world in peaceful and harmonious interactions,” Weah averred.
“I am confident in the ability of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security, foster friendly relations among and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights.”
In the face of these global encounters, the Liberian leader informed the UN that his administration relies on the UN support to achieve sustainable development because “Liberia remains a direct beneficiary of the UN.”
Weah noted that the UN support to his administration is important to investing in key sectors of the Liberian Economy.
“My administration will place specific emphasis on the agriculture, education and health sectors in the coming months, and will be seeking closer collaboration from relevant agencies of the UN in accelerating the country growth and development,” President Weah maintained.
At the same time President George Weah said it is equally important to promote peace in the world if the UN developmental goals and objectives must be achieved.
For his part, United Nations Resident Coordinator Kingsley Amaning noted that United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the PAPD are driven not only by the vision of government but also through the sustenance of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, which are global commitments.
“The Framework is in support of and is fully aligned with the Government’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD),” Mr. Amaning said.
“My administration will place specific emphasis on the agriculture, education and health sectors in the coming months, and will be seeking closer collaboration from relevant agencies of the UN in accelerating the country growth and development.”
George Manneh Weah, President, Republic of Liberia
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) was signed in August detailing the nature, scope, and strategies of UN support to the government and people of Liberia over the next 5 years.
He pledged the UN commitment to funding programs of its agencies in Liberia as a means of achieving the UNSDF, the PADP and SDGs.
“The overarching principle underlying the UN’s work in Liberia is that we are here to support the government and people of Liberia and contribute to human, social, and economic development with the government and people in the driver’s seat,” Mr. Amaning added.
“In other words, the responsibility for the leadership and overall coordination of the management and development of the country lies with the government of Liberia and people of Liberia with continued support from the UN.”
He said the UN will continue to work with the government to ensure that the civil society and Liberians understand the shift that has taken place in the mandate of UN presence in Liberia.
“In this regard, we in the UN system, are thinking about developing a set of weekly radio programs to communicate the work of the UN to the public,” Amaning said.
“This could be even more effective through joint appearances between UN agencies and lead government ministries in their respective areas.”
Mr. Amaning then noted that the UN realizes that Liberia is going through a trying and difficult period and do not believe that the government will fail.
He said: “We have a strong belief that success will be resounding under the leadership of the Government headed by President Weah.”