President George Weah has taken his first term achievements to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) emphasizing on unity of purpose aimed at providing basic services to all peoples considering that more than 60 percent of Liberia’s population comprises of youths, the future of the nation rests on their shoulders.
He said understanding this immense responsibility, Liberia is committed to continue paving the way for their growth and development saying that being cognizant that structural transformation drives prosperity, the country focused on infrastructural development with roads and energy playing critical part.
Weah said with the support of many partners, Liberia remain unwavering in its commitment to explore means to further the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), as it represents the roadmap towards prosperity thereby supporting the UN’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposed SDG stimulus plan.
President Weah also called for the actualization of the 500 billion dollars per year in order to boost sustainable development for developing countries through tackling the high cost of debt and rising risks of debt distress; scaling-up of affordable long-term financing for development; and expanding contingency financing to countries in need.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA’s) yesterday in Washington DC, United States, the Liberian leader said the country profoundly appreciates the continued engagement and support from the United Nations System in consolidating its peace, and seeking to address emerging challenges.
“Liberia will continue to cooperate and collaborate with the United Nations as it continues to rebuild and strengthen its institutions and infrastructure. Five years ago, on the occasion of my first address to this august assembly, we informed you of a peaceful democratic transition that had just taken place in Liberia. With your support, and that of our friends, we have kept the democratic torch burning,” Weah noted.
He indicated that Liberia have maintained peace, security and have protected human rights and the rights of the media to operate peacefully and freely noting, “The Liberian people have enjoyed the full exercise of their constitutional rights and the country is well on course of consolidating its democratic credentials.”
“I am pleased to inform you again that in a few weeks, Liberians will go to the polls, in keeping with the Liberian constitution to vote in our scheduled Presidential and Legislative elections. The October polls will mark the fourth peaceful general elections in Liberia since the end of the civil war in 2003. This 78th session is taking place at a time when my country is preparing for the first elections since the withdrawal of the UN Peacekeeping presence from Liberia. The October 10 elections is an opportunity to sustain the gains made in our reconstruction and development processes,” Weah said.
The President stated that Liberia has taken all necessary measures to ensure a free, fair, transparent, peaceful, inclusive and credible elections and that the National Elections Commission has been strengthened to ensure that it operates without undue influence as political parties have committed themselves to a nonviolent electoral process by signing the 2023 Farmington River Declaration, which obligates all actors in the elections to continue to promote peace.
“As a strong believer in democracy, let me reiterate my call for the respect of constitutional governance and respect for the will of the people. While addressing the issue of elections and democracy, permit me to congratulate all democratically elected leaders around the world,” he noted.
Weah said the world is also under threat from natural calamities, as seen with extreme climate conditions globally placing a huge responsibility on the shoulders leaders to urgently prioritize the climate crisis as they strive to reach a target of 64 percent reduction in carbon emission.
He pointed out that there remains a need to prioritize support to countries, including Liberia that have the capacity to use its biodiversity, in building resilience against the changing climate, adding, “The United Nations has always been confronted with challenges, and has withstood the test of time. Hence, this too will come to pass. I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his New Agenda for Peace. Liberia is in solidarity with these bold steps needed to address the triple crises of disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution destroying our planet. Liberia is hopeful that concrete global actions towards the attainment of the goals of the Common Agenda will be achieved.”
Weah believed that Liberia’s journey is best captured in the spirit of unity, resilience, and ambition achieved through collaboration and shared purpose that upholds the rights and dignity of every individual in alliance with the United Nations Family, Liberia remains resolute in its commitment.
“We pledge to protect our planet, promote peace, and prevent conflicts. We vow to ensure sustainable financing, and strengthening our partnerships, reflecting our shared determination for a brighter future. We must also accept that this can only be achieved through collaboration between and among Governments, non-government stakeholders and other partners; which will guarantee transparency, accountability, good governance, and the inclusion of all citizens in the decision-making process,” the President said.
He remind his colleagues that their collective strength lies in their unity and together, they can overcome any challenge, rebuild trust, promote peace, religious tolerance, uphold the tenants of democracy, rule of law, support women participation, encourage diplomacy and strengthen global solidarity.
The President said the slowdown in global economic growth continues to be a challenge for which for over the past 12 months, Liberia has made progress in areas, ranging from health to education, gender equality, and infrastructural development and proud of the country’s achievements in reducing maternal mortality rates, increasing gender parity in school enrollment, and elevating our overall health and well-being.
Weah noted that Liberia is committed to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); because they are in line with his Flagship National Development Plan – the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, which represents our resolve to achieve peace and prosperity, while addressing the structural impediments to economic growth and national development.
