PARIS, FRANCE – Liberia’s newly appointed Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, on March 13, 2025, formally presented his credentials to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the organization’s headquarters in Paris. His appointment signals Liberia’s renewed commitment to strengthening its collaboration with UNESCO in education, cultural heritage conservation, and sustainable development.
During his meeting with Director-General Azoulay, Ambassador Yorlay emphasized Liberia’s desire to expand UNESCO’s footprint in the country. He highlighted key priorities, including increased support for digital education, youth empowerment, and heritage conservation. He also underscored Liberia’s commitment to advancing girls’ education by improving access to higher learning, promoting STEM education for girls, and addressing gender disparities in school enrollment and retention.
Liberia’s engagement with UNESCO’s World Heritage Program was another focal point. The country, which ratified the World Heritage Convention in 2002, has three sites on its Tentative List: Mount Nimba Strict Reserve (extension), Providence Island, and Gola Rainforest National Park. Ambassador Yorlay reiterated Liberia’s ambition to secure its first inscription on the World Heritage List, seeking UNESCO’s technical and financial support to expedite the nomination process. An ongoing assessment of Gola Rainforest National Park aims to determine its Outstanding Universal Value, with Liberia hoping to submit a nomination by 2027.
Recognizing the growing threats posed by climate change, Ambassador Yorlay also called for continued UNESCO support in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. He acknowledged the organization’s role in enhancing early warning systems and strengthening Liberia’s response to climate-related disasters. Efforts such as risk mapping, emergency response training, and the Resilient Waters, Resilient Liberia Project have been crucial in improving water security and disaster preparedness.
Liberia’s broader diplomatic aspirations were also part of the discussions. With its recent election to UNESCO’s Executive Board, Liberia is looking to expand its global influence, including a bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Yorlay emphasized the country’s commitment to international peace and security, aligning itself with the UN’s broader development agenda.
In the area of cultural heritage protection, the ambassador highlighted Liberia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its historical and intellectual assets from illegal exploitation. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to UNESCO’s international standards for heritage preservation and requested further technical support to strengthen legal frameworks and overcome logistical challenges in the World Heritage nomination process.
Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Yorlay expressed optimism about deepening Liberia’s collaboration with UNESCO, particularly in disaster risk reduction, higher education, and cultural heritage preservation. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation, emphasizing that education, culture, and heritage protection remain at the core of the country’s diplomatic agenda.
