The Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Nicola Clase, has concluded an official visit to Liberia, reaffirming the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting the country’s peacebuilding priorities.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between Liberia and the UN and provided an opportunity to engage a broad range of stakeholders and assess progress in the country’s post-conflict recovery.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Ambassador Clase described Liberia as “a global role model for peacebuilding and post-conflict transition,” emphasizing that sustainable peace must be inclusive, nationally owned, and locally driven, with support from coordinated international partnerships.
During the high-level engagement, the delegation comprising representatives from Sweden, Morocco, and Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations held separate meetings with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and former Presidents George Manneh Weah and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Discussions focused on Liberia’s continued commitment to sustaining peace, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing transitional justice. Ambassador Clase extended an invitation to President Boakai to brief the Peacebuilding Commission in New York on Liberia’s peacebuilding agenda.
The delegation commended Liberia for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections and the smooth transfer of power, describing it as a testament to the collective commitment of political actors and citizens to preserving stability.
It also highlighted Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term as a clear indication of growing international confidence in the country’s democratic progress.
Throughout the visit, the delegation observed that Liberia has made significant strides in consolidating peace and strengthening its democratic institutions. However, it noted that sustained efforts remain necessary to address underlying challenges.
Key issues raised during the visit included the importance of accountability and transitional justice, particularly ongoing efforts toward the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. The delegation also emphasized the critical role of education in fostering long-term peace.
Additionally, discussions highlighted the vital contributions of women and young people in sustaining peace, with Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security recognized as a notable achievement.
The delegation further stressed the need to maintain a vibrant and protected civic space, while calling for continued progress in decentralization, strengthening community-based peace structures, and addressing land-related disputes.
“Liberia’s progress reflects strong political will over several years, and the shared responsibility of its people and institutions,” Ambassador Clase noted, encouraging inclusive dialogue across political and social lines to sustain the country’s peacebuilding momentum. As part of the visit, the delegation also engaged with local communities and toured projects supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.
These initiatives focus on youth empowerment, substance abuse rehabilitation, anti-corruption efforts, transparency, and civic education. The delegation indicated that insights gathered from the visit will be presented to the Peacebuilding Commission to help mobilize continued international support for Liberia.
It also noted ongoing UN efforts to conduct a Peacebuilding Impact Spotlight study on Liberia, only the second of its kind, aimed at capturing lessons from the country’s peacebuilding experience.“Liberia’s peace story is still being written,” Ambassador Clase said. “We must build on what has been achieved, support those shaping it today, and empower future generations to carry it forward.”
