The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti addressed the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on August 19, 2024.
The session, which was held in the ECOSOC Chamber center on Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities.
In her address, Foreign Minister Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a focus on the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
A key part of her speech highlighted Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, which underscores the importance of peacebuilding, transparency, and the fight against corruption.
The potential establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) was a significant topic of discussion.
The Dean of the Cabinet took the opportunity to express profound gratitude to the United Nations for its ongoing support and partnership with Liberia.
She reiterated Liberia’s dedication to its peacebuilding processes, especially in light of the successful legislative and presidential elections held on October 10 and November 14, 2023.
These elections were notably the first to be independently managed by Liberia since the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2018.
Foreign Minister Nyanti reflected on the progress made since the signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2003. She discussed the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the ongoing efforts to implement the TRC’s recommendations on criminal accountability, reparations, and reconciliation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of youth empowerment in the peacebuilding process, noting that 63% of Liberia’s population is under the age of 25.
She outlined the government’s commitment to developing a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security, with support from the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.
As Liberia continues its journey towards sustained peace and development, Foreign Minister Nyanti called on the international community to support Liberia’s transitional justice initiatives.
This includes the establishment of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC) and efforts to promote social cohesion through initiatives such as the National Palava Hut Program and the Women’s Peace Huts.
The United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) has played a crucial role in supporting Liberia’s peacebuilding efforts.
Foreign Minister Nyanti expressed Liberia’s deep appreciation for such partnership and encourage continued collaboration to build a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
Foreign Minister Nyanti Addressing Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission at the United Nations
also encouraged ongoing collaboration to build a more peaceful and prosperous Liberia.
Participating in the Session with Foreign Minister Nyanti were Samuel Koffi Woods, National Security Advisor, Cllr. N. Oswald K. Tweh, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Adama K. Dempster, Secretary General, Civil Society Human Rights Platform and Ms. Banica Elliott, President, Federation of Liberian Youth.
