Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti has used Liberia’s debut on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to call for a renewed commitment to the UN Charter and a more representative, effective multilateral system.
Addressing the Security Council’s 10159th meeting on the theme, “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system,” Minister Nyanti said Liberia’s return to the Council after more than 60 years reflects both its founding role at the UN and its commitment to global peace.
“Liberia’s vision for its tenure on the UN Security Council is to amplify Africa’s voice, strengthen ECOWAS representation, and promote collaborative solutions to the challenges confronting our continent,” Nyanti stated.
She argued that conflicts in Africa are complex and interconnected, and require responses that address root causes through dialogue, diplomacy, and inclusive governance.
Nyanti outlined Liberia’s thematic priorities for its 2026-2027 term: the nexus between climate, natural resources and conflict; women, peace and security; youth, peace and security; and reform of the Security Council and peacekeeping.
She made a direct appeal for structural reform of the Council, saying the current system is not equitable. “A permanent seat for Africa is not a gift, it’s about equity,” she added.
Minister Nyanti noted that the current structure is not equitable when non-permanent members, who represent a significant portion of the world’s population, do not have an equal voice.”
The Liberian Foreign Minister further called for reconsideration of veto power and decision-making mechanisms to reflect post-World War II realities. On the issue of the Middle East, Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s support for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with Security Council resolutions, stressing that security that lacks political legitimacy cannot endure.
Drawing on Liberia’s civil war experience, she told the Council that “silencing guns matters, but peace does not come from silence of the guns alone. “It comes from choices, choices made early, deliberately, and sustained over time.”
Nyanti, who served nearly two decades in senior UN roles before becoming Foreign Minister, said Liberia’s election to the Council with 181 votes was a diplomatic milestone that puts the country “at the global table where decisions that affect peace and security are made.”
She pledged that Liberia will serve with integrity, principle, and a strong commitment to global peace, and urged member states to move beyond crisis management toward sustained political choices that deliver lasting peace.
