BOAKAI TO HEAD LIBERIA’S DELEGATION TO UNGA81 AS COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP, CLIMATE ACTION, AND PEACEKEEPING REFORM IN NEW YORK

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NEW YORK — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will lead Liberia’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where the country is expected to promote priorities ranging from youth development and women’s leadership to climate resilience, sustainable development, and peace and security reform.

Liberia will join the other 193 United Nations Member States in New York for the UNGA81 High-Level Week, scheduled for September 22–29, 2026. This year’s session will be held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Liberia’s participation will focus on strengthening confidence in multilateral institutions, promoting international peace and security, responding to climate change, expanding global health access, advancing sustainable development, improving digital governance, and enhancing humanitarian assistance.

President Boakai will be joined by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti during the high-level segment of the gathering.

“At a time of global uncertainty, Liberia’s message will be one of partnership, reform, and delivery for our people,” a Foreign Ministry official said.

Alongside its participation in the General Debate, Liberia will organize three high-level side events in New York. The events will showcase the country’s policy priorities, deepen cooperation with international partners, and mobilize support for national development programs.

1. YOUTH AND SECURITY

Rooting and Rising: Liberia’s Vision for Youth and Security — Investing in the PATHWAYS Reform Mandate

Host: Ministry of Youth and Sports

Date: September 18, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Venue: Nelson Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Mission to the United Nations, 305 East 47th Street, New York

The forum will examine the connection between youth empowerment and national security. It will focus on investments that enable young Liberians to contribute to national development, peacebuilding, and leadership.

2. WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY

From Pioneers to Global Leaders: Liberia’s Journey in Women, Peace and Security

Host: Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

Date: September 21, 2026 Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST

Venue: United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 5

The event will reflect on Liberia’s contribution to advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding and public leadership. Participants will also discuss ways to further promote the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Liberia and around the world.

3. CLIMATE, CONFLICT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

The Nexus: Conflict and Natural Resources — Pathways to Peace, Resilience, and Sustainable Development

Host: Environmental Protection Agency

Date: September 23, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Venue: The Westin Grand Central Hotel, New York

The discussion will explore how climate change, natural-resource management, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development are interconnected. It will also present Liberia’s efforts to strengthen environmental governance and promote responsible use of natural resources.

The three events are expected to bring together UN officials, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, policymakers, and other international stakeholders.

President Boakai is scheduled to present Liberia’s national statement during the General Debate on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

According to officials, his address will address Liberia’s views on peacekeeping reform, conflict prevention, climate resilience, responsible natural-resource management, and the need for a more effective United Nations system that delivers meaningful results for developing countries.

The President is also expected to reaffirm Liberia’s support for multilateral cooperation and highlight the country’s expanding contribution to regional and global peace and security.

The United Nations General Assembly convenes world leaders in New York each September and remains one of the most important international forums for discussing major global challenges.

For Liberia, UNGA81 will provide an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relationships and draw greater attention to issues affecting developing and post-conflict countries.

The session comes as Liberia continues to move beyond its post-conflict history and establish itself as a contributor to regional peace and security. The country is also seeking to strengthen its voice on behalf of small and developing states in areas such as climate resilience, natural-resource governance, youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and peacekeeping reform.