By Tina S. Mehnpaine
The United Nations in Liberia has launched its month-long commemoration of the organization’s 80th anniversary, celebrating eight decades of existence, peacekeeping efforts, global impact, and shared values with the West African nation. Liberia, which regained its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is a founding member of the global body.
At a high-profile media breakfast meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to kick off the jubilation, UN Resident Coordinator Madam Christine N. Omtoni emphasized the anniversary’s profound significance for the host country.
The commemoration is held under the global theme: “Building Our Future Together,” while the local theme for Liberia is “One Liberia, One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress.”
“For Liberia, this anniversary holds profound meaning. As one of the UN’s founding members, and now once again serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, the country has stood proudly on the side of peace, justice, and global cooperation,” she stated. “It is a moment to pause and reflect on the power of multilateralism, international solidarity, and collective action in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Liberia’s relationship with the global body dates back to its inception. The nation was among the 50 countries that attended the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco in 1945, where the UN Charter was drafted and signed. Liberia’s signature on June 26, 1945, made it one of the original signatories. When the UN officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, Liberia became one of the 51 founding Member States.
Liberia’s founding status is particularly notable as it was one of the few independent nations in Africa at the time, providing an early, essential voice to the continent within the emerging post-war international system.
The Resident Coordinator highlighted this enduring bond, noting, “Liberia’s journey with the United Nations is one of mutual trust and partnership. For decades, the UN has walked alongside Liberia, supporting its people through periods of conflict, recovery, reconciliation, and now, a path toward sustainable development and prosperity.”
Madam Omtoni recalled the UN’s essential role in stabilizing the country’s 14-years of civil war by deploying peacekeeping missions, providing humanitarian assistance during crises, and sharing cooperation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The UN and Liberia have been steadfast partners.”
The country’s journey from conflict to global contributor is underscored by its diplomatic success: Liberia will serve a two-year term on the 15-member United Nations Security Council beginning January 1, 2026. This is a major milestone, marking the first time in over six decades that Liberia will serve on the Security Council, and making it the final founding member of the UN to serve on the body. Liberia previously served a partial term in 1961.
This month-long celebrations, jointly by the Government of Liberia and the United Nations family, are focused on more than just history. “They are about renewing our shared vision for the future,” Madam . Omtoni emphasized.
Throughout October, the UN and the Liberian government will host various activities across the country to engage communities and reaffirm the enduring bonds between Liberia and the UN. These events include community storytelling, exhibitions, youth dialogues, climate action initiatives, and health outreach programs.
A key highlight of the commemoration is the forthcoming launch of the new UN Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030, which will guide future collaborative efforts toward socio-economic development.
The new agreement will focus on three strategic priorities: Human Capital Development, Good Governance and Rule of Law, and Economic Development and Sustainability.
According to the UN, these pillars reflect the organization’s shared commitment to inclusive growth, institutional strengthening, and environmental stewardship.
To operationalize this vision, the UN Country Team will implement four integrated flagship programmes: EduSkills, which promotes foundational learning and market-relevant skills; Adolescent Girls First, which enhances health and empowerment outcomes for adolescent girls; Digital Liberia, which strengthens governance and service delivery through technology; and SheFeeds Liberia, which supports climate-smart agriculture and women farmers.
“Together, these programmes embody our pledge to leave no one behind and to catalyze sustainable development across Liberia.”
The Government of Liberia, represented by Lawerence M. Fahnbulleh, Director for Public Affairs and Acting Minister of Information, hailed the UN’s long-standing support in peacebuilding, health, and economy. “As we get closer to the 24th of October to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, what more Liberia has to say is to commend the United Nation for the support,” he said.
“As we get closer to the 24th of October to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, what more Liberia has to say is to commend the United Nation for the support,” he said.
The Resident Coordinator was joined by an array of UN representatives, including Mr. Andy Brooks, UNICEF Representative, Mr. Leonard Kamugisha Deputy United Nation Fund Population (UNFPA) Representative, madam Mary Njoroge, World Food Programme (WFP), Country and Resident Representative, Christian Mukosa, United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, Stanley Kamara, Team Lead, Inclusive Governance Pillar, UNDP and Comfort Lamptey UN Women Country Representative.
These representatives collectively highlighted the UN’s commitment to tackling maternal deaths, promoting human rights, and girls education, ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), accelerating efforts in meeting Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for women and girls, addressing unmet family planning needs, pushing for legal reform for women, and promoting women’s peace and security through community groups across the country.
They highlighted the role of the media as a key stakeholder in promoting human rights, informing the populace accurately about the work of the UN andLiberia.
“Distinguished guests, the media has always played a vital role in Liberia’s democratic journey and in amplifying the voices of the people. Your partnership is essential to tell the story of UN@80, to showcase Liberia’s achievements, and to highlight the opportunities ahead,” said the UN Resident Coordinator.
