Monrovia, Liberia – Joseph N. Boakai, President of Liberia, has mobilized world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address the several issues confronting the planet and so make it a better place for all.
Speaking Sunday, September 22, 2024, at his first UNGA as President in New York, United States of America, President Boakai remarked, “We are assembled here with a single mission: to discover ways to work together to make the world a better place for everyone. Though we have tough obstacles ahead, I think we are more resolved than ever to go over them.
The Liberian leader noted that although Liberia is committed to overcome these difficulties, it has faced major impediments in moving towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). President Boakai narrated that Liberia’s experience reflects the struggles of many developing nations, which are hindered by social and economic pressures.
“Reports on world progress lately reveal a worrying tendency. The Human Development Report for 2023/2024 showed that the poorest nations in the world are lagging behind, therefore creating more political divisions and inequality.”
President Boakai further clarified that Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are currently paying 12% of their income on interest payments four times more than ten years ago according to the “2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report.”
It emphasizes the immediate necessity for global banking system reform. The Liberian president stated, the current state of affairs demands for global action; he said, as leaders, they should tackle common issues together and remove the obstacles hindering progress.
“As UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized, we must see these reports, especially the Human Development Report, as a call to action during this important Summit.”
In keeping with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, President said, people in Liberia have made great efforts to guarantee that all resources are used efficiently for the growth of the nation, lower waste and corruption, and promote good governance.
The President also emphasized the need of changing global governance to hasten the execution of the 2030 Agenda; he said, leaders should argue for a financial system that gives liquidity first priority and lessens the load on developing countries.
President Boakai added that by encouraging international cooperation and responsibility, it will help to establish a fair financial climate that enables every nation to pursue its economic objectives.
The Liberian president encouraged the world to act forcefully to relieve the financial strain on underdeveloped countries. He urged leaders to cooperate to eliminate obstacles so allowing developing countries countries to forward their common vision for sustainable development this would help to realize their potential he added.
“The prevailing developmental challenges deliver to us a clear message that, if countries are to turbocharge to achieve the SDGs, the financial systems need to be reformed to help us achieve sustainable development.”
The Liberian leader thanked the United Nations and the international community for their continuous support and cooperation. Together, they can solve the structural issues impeding advancement so as to release the great potential of the global community he maintained.
“May we be guided by a spirit of cooperation and may our deliberations lead to meaningful actions that accelerate socio-economic development for all.”
