Monrovia, Liberia – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti addressed the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on August 19, 2024.
The session, which was held in the ECOSOC Chamber center on Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities.
In her address, Foreign Minister Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a focus on the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
A key part of her speech highlighted Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, which underscores the importance of peacebuilding, transparency, and the fight against corruption.
The possible creation of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) was a hotly debated subject. The UN’s continued assistance and collaboration with Liberia is greatly appreciated, and the Dean of the Cabinet seized this occasion to convey her gratitude.
In view of the triumphant parliamentary and presidential elections that took place on October 10 and November 14, 2023, respectively, she reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to its peacebuilding efforts. Notably, since the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) left the country in 2018, these elections were the first to be overseen independently by Liberia.
After the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2003, Foreign Minister Nyanti considered the advancements that had been accomplished. The topic of discussion was the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the current endeavors to execute the TRC’s suggestions on criminal responsibility, compensation, and harmony.
The Minister underlined the need of young empowerment in the process of peacebuilding, pointing out that 63% of Liberians are under 25.
She gave an overview of the government’s commitment to work with the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund to create a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security.
Foreign Minister Nyanti urged support for Liberia’s transitional justice programs from the international community as the country continues on its path to long-term peace and development. This includes establishing the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC) and launching programs like the Women’s Peace Huts and the National Palava Hut Program to encourage societal togetherness.
Liberia’s efforts to promote peace have benefited greatly from the backing of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
Foreign Minister Nyanti conveyed Liberia’s sincere gratitude for this cooperation and urged further cooperation to create a more tranquil and prosperous country.
Speaking at the UN Peacebuilding Commission’s Liberia configuration is Foreign Minister Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
With funding from the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, Minister Nyanti also declared that the government will create a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security. She urged the world community to back Liberia’s transitional justice initiatives going forward, particularly its support for the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC) and its initiatives to foster social cohesion through the National Palava Hut Program and the Women’s Peace Huts.
Foreign Minister Nyanti concluded by expressing Liberia’s sincere gratitude for the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and its essential role in aiding the nation’s peacebuilding initiatives. In order to create a more tranquil and prosperous Liberia, she urged continued cooperation.
In attendance at the meeting with Foreign Minister Nyanti were the following: Mr. Adama K. Dempster, Secretary General of the Civil Society Human Rights Platform; Cllr. N. Oswald K. Tweh, Attorney General and Minister of Justice; and Ms. Banica Elliott, President of the Federation of Liberian Youth.
