By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – The United Nations in Liberia hosted a high-profile Media Breakfast on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to commemorate the global body’s 80th anniversary, celebrating eight decades of partnership, peacebuilding, and development between the UN and Liberia, one of its proud founding members.
Held under the inspiring theme, “One Liberia, One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress,” the event took place at the One UN House on First Street, Sinkor, gathering government officials, media representatives, and heads of UN agencies. The celebration served as a prelude to the main national observance set for Kakata City, Margibi County.
Delivering the keynote address, UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni described the milestone as a time of both reflection and renewal. “This is a moment to pause and reflect on the power of multilateralism, solidarity, and collective action,” she said. “Liberia has stood proudly for peace and global cooperation since its founding membership in the UN.”
Madame Umutoni applauded the nation’s current seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, calling it “a testament to Liberia’s growing international influence and engagement.” She also praised the country’s economic progress, noting a 5.1% growth rate in 2024 and a projected 5.8% growth for 2025, largely driven by mining, agriculture, and manufacturing under the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
The Resident Coordinator highlighted life-changing initiatives supported by the UN in Liberia under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), including:
- Access to family planning for over 368,000 women.
- School feeding for 70,000 children.
- Rehabilitation of 345 kilometers of rural roads.
- Support for 30,000 cocoa farmers and training for 700 women farmers in land rights and sustainable agriculture.
- Registration of 6,900 properties, support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, and passage of the Legal Aid Act to enhance access to justice.
Looking ahead, Madame Umutoni announced the launch of the upcoming UN Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), a new blueprint to guide future collaboration. The framework will focus on three national priorities: Human Capital Development, Good Governance and Rule of Law, and Economic Sustainability.
In her remarks, Madame Umutoni emphasized the importance of media collaboration, noting, “Your partnership is essential to tell the story of the UN at 80, to showcase Liberia’s achievements and the opportunities ahead.”
Government Commends Steadfast Partnership
Speaking for the Government of Liberia, Lawrence Fahnbulleh, Acting Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), commended the UN’s continued support across all sectors—from health and education to agriculture, infrastructure, and governance.
He urged the UN family to engage the Liberian public through MICAT’s regular press briefings to highlight ongoing anniversary activities. “Before and after the war, the UN has been a steadfast partner in Liberia’s recovery and growth,” Fahnbulleh said. “Today, that partnership continues to empower our people and institutions.”
Throughout October 2025, the UN and the Government of Liberia will host a series of anniversary activities, including youth dialogues, exhibitions, climate action initiatives, and the formal launch of the new Cooperation Framework. The main national celebration in Kakata City will bring together government leaders, international partners, civil society, and the media to honor 80 years of shared commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity.
Closing the event, Madame Christine N. Umutoni reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering dedication to Liberia’s development, stating, “The United Nations stands with Liberia—yesterday, today, and tomorrow—as we work together to build a resilient and prosperous nation.”
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