NEW YORK – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai held a high-level bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussions focused on peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, and Liberia’s newly acquired role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
During the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres commended Liberia’s longstanding generosity toward refugees and displaced populations, recalling his personal experiences in the country. He also congratulated President Boakai on Liberia’s election to the Security Council and pledged the United Nations’ full support for Liberia’s peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development initiatives. Guterres emphasized the UN’s readiness to align its country team’s efforts with Liberia’s national priorities, including economic diplomacy, environmental protection, and social development.
President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. He further stressed Liberia’s dedication to addressing climate change, noting that the country holds nearly half of West Africa’s remaining rainforest, and underscored the need for international partnerships to protect this vital global resource.
The Liberian leader also outlined his administration’s ARREST agenda, which prioritizes agriculture, education, health, sanitation, tourism, and youth development. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in bridging gaps left by past challenges and ensuring that natural resources are managed transparently and equitably for the benefit of all Liberians.
Secretary-General Guterres praised President Boakai’s forward-looking agenda and assured him of the UN’s continued engagement, including mobilization of international support and fundraising for Liberia’s programs. He commended the government’s progress and commitment to sustainable development.
Following the meeting, President Boakai posted on his official Facebook page, highlighting the productive discussions and Liberia’s commitment to justice, transparency, and economic diplomacy under the ARREST agenda. He called for stronger international partnerships to protect Liberia’s rainforest and advance the country’s national priorities, expressing gratitude for the Secretary-General’s longstanding support and reiterating Liberia’s readiness to collaborate with the United Nations and the global community.
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