Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has called on Liberia’s newly trained diplomats to lead the nation’s renewed drive toward international respect and global influence; urging them to embody integrity, professionalism and patriotic service as they represent Liberia on the world stage.
In his keynote speech on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) 71st Graduation Ceremony at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, President Boakai referred to the graduating class as “the torchbearers of a new era of Liberian diplomacy.”
The President praised the 120 graduates as the largest class in the 74-year history of the institute, pointing out that their education represents a turning point in Liberia’s attempts to restore its long-standing standing as a leader in both African and international diplomacy.
“This event is more than just a celebration of academic success. It symbolizes Liberia’s reaffirmed resolve to recover its position as a major player in African diplomacy on the international scene,” he said.
Boakai also praised the FSI’s three-tiered program structure, which consists of the Refresher and Orientation Program for elected and appointed officials, the Madam Suakoko Graduate Program for Female Diplomats, and the Regular Academic Program, calling it a comprehensive platform for developing a new generation of professional diplomats.
However, the Liberian leader commended the FSI administration, the Director General, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for rebranding and reforming the Institute at a time when Liberia is ready to take on a more active role abroad, including its impending service as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“The Institute does not just train, it transforms. Its alumni become architects of Liberia’s growing worldwide influence in addition to serving as its representatives,” he declared.
President Boakai praised the FSI’s expanding alliances with foreign organizations like the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Egypt, the Foreign Service Academy of Sierra Leone, the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). He claimed that these partnerships guarantee Liberia’s diplomats are “globally competent, professionally refined, and regionally connected.”
President Boakai turned to the graduates and stressed that their training was a call to service rather than just an academic endeavor. “You take on the role of a Liberian diplomat from this day on, empowered to represent our country’s interests and values with integrity, wisdom, and distinction,” he informed them.
He outlined four core pillars for the graduates to uphold as they begin their careers which include, advocating for Liberia’s prosperity, promoting peace and regional stability, upholding integrity and service, and championing the ARREST Agenda, the government’s national development framework focused on agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism.
Boakai urged the incoming diplomats to focus on economic diplomacy as champions of Liberia’s economy, emphasizing the need to draw in investment, market Liberian goods, and strengthen alliances that open doors for the country’s youthful population.
“Move beyond traditional diplomacy. Be at the forefront of attracting responsible investment and championing our key sectors, from agriculture and mining to tourism and technology,” he said.
Regarding regional stability, President Boakai reminded the graduates of Liberia’s post-war development and its need to impart peace lessons to its neighbors. “Our hard-won peace is our most valuable asset,” he said. “You are now its guardians. Champion regional integration and promote Liberia as a credible partner for stability within ECOWAS, the MRU, and the African Union.”
In his charge for integrity, he warned against corruption, calling it a betrayal of public trust. “The title ‘Diplomat’ is one of great privilege but founded on trust, the trust of your government and the Liberian people. Let your conduct reflect honor, dignity, and principle.“
Referencing the words of Edward Wilmot Blyden, the President reminded the graduates that a nation’s greatness lies not in its size but in the character of its people. “You now bear the responsibility of shaping Liberia’s character in the eyes of the world,” he stated.
Additionally, the President urged the graduates to become diplomats who “bring tangible benefits to Liberia” instead of just going to formal events overseas. He encourage them to be the representatives who make every Liberian proud to say, “That is my kind of diplomat.’ Be the advocates who build partnerships, not just seek aid.”
He urged the graduates to approach their duties with humility, courage, and vision. “Be bold in your ideas, wise in your counsel, firm in your principles, and flexible in your methods. Be proud ambassadors of the new Liberia, a Liberia of resilience, peace, and progressive ambition,” he said.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
