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🇱🇷 Liberia - President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 80th Session | #UNGA

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Overview

President Joseph N. Buakai of Liberia used the UN General Assembly’s 80th session to reaffirm support for multilateralism and to argue that the UN must adapt to escalating global crises. He congratulated the Assembly President and thanked the Secretary-General and the UN for continued international cooperation, noting Liberia’s pride in having been involved since the UN’s founding.

Election to the UN Security Council (2026–2027)

A key focus of Buakai’s remarks was Liberia’s election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2026–2027 term. He described it as Liberia’s first full turn at the Council since joining the UN Charter, while emphasizing that:

“the seat belongs to Africa.”

He said Liberia would advocate for Africa’s fair representation in Security Council reform, arguing that this can only be achieved through permanent representation.

Peace, Diplomacy, and Mediation

Buakai warned that threats to peace require constant defense through diplomacy and mediation. He cited wars in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as terrorism, displacement, climate change, and inequality.

He specifically stated Liberia’s support for credible mediation efforts to resolve:

  • The Russia–Ukraine conflict
  • The Arab-Israeli/Palestinian conflict

For the Israel–Palestine issue, he endorsed a two-state solution consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. He also called for:

  • Protecting civilians
  • Ensuring accountability for atrocities
  • Strengthening mediation

Linking Domestic Experience to Foreign Policy

Buakai connected Liberia’s domestic experiences to its foreign policy, pointing to three peaceful democratic transitions since 2003. He attributed progress in large part to multilateral support from:

  • ECOWAS
  • The African Union
  • The UN

Climate Change as an Immediate Threat

He emphasized climate change as an urgent threat to Liberia, citing:

  • Sea-level rise
  • Storms
  • Flooding
  • Food insecurity

He outlined ongoing and planned actions including:

  • Coastal defense
  • Early-warning systems
  • Carbon market policies
  • “Blue economy” measures

He urged full implementation of the Paris Agreement, stronger climate financing—especially the Loss and Damage fund—and called for “climate justice.”

Reforming Development Financing

On development financing, Buakai criticized the international financial architecture as outdated and unjust. He argued that many development countries spend more on debt service than on health or education.

Liberia called for urgent reform and for financing approaches that better support:

  • Sustainable development
  • Shared prosperity
  • Development outcomes that do not leave nations behind

Development, Governance, and Anti-Corruption Priorities

Buakai highlighted Liberia’s internal development and governance priorities, centered on its “Agenda for Inclusive Development,” aligned with Liberia’s Vision 2030. The agenda targets:

  • Agriculture and food security
  • Infrastructure
  • Rule of law and governance
  • Education and skills
  • Sanitation and health
  • Tourism, technology, and innovation

He also referenced anti-corruption and accountability measures, including:

  • Asset declarations
  • Strengthening institutions for transparency and public service delivery

Justice and Reconciliation

Buakai renewed Liberia’s request for international support to establish a court for war and economic crimes. He argued that this would advance national healing through justice and the rule of law.

He also urged the UN to remain relevant by supporting:

  • The “Pact for the Future”
  • The “global digital compact”

He warned that relying on 1945-era solutions for modern challenges is unrealistic.

Sustainable Development and Global Urgency

He said progress on the Sustainable Development Goals is too slow and should be treated as a global emergency. He noted that Liberia will submit its next voluntary national review in 2026 and accelerate implementation in line with:

  • AU Agenda 2063
  • ECOWAS Vision 2050

(as stated in the subtitles)

Conclusion

Buakai framed the session theme, “Better Together,” as a call for collective action. He pledged Liberia’s continued role as:

  • A bridge to peace
  • A development partner
  • A defender of human rights

Presenters / Contributors

  • Joseph N. Buakai — President of the Republic of Liberia

Original video