President Joseph N. Boakai took time out while addressing the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to pledge Liberia’s support towards supporting world peace, while calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East to provide civilians with essential humanitarian relief.
Addressing world leaders in New York, United States of America, the Liberia leader urged both Israelis and Palestinians to engage in negotiations toward lasting peace, including a two-state solution.
“Additionally, we see the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a threat to global peace and security. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution that also respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” he said.
President Boakai said the goals Liberia has set for itself and the future are better served on the foundation of peace and security, and having enjoyed peace for over two decades following a long-running conflict, his government aims to promote peace and stability at home, in the region, and globally.
“The threat of conflicts to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace. Therefore, we support all the UN’s efforts to address peace and security issues worldwide,” he said.
The Liberian leader said his country is concerned about the escalating security challenges in the West African region, including terrorism and economic and political instability. Boakai: “These pose a significant threat to regional peace; so we urge full dialogue and cooperation among West African nations to address these issues effectively.
He said Liberia firmly stands with the rest of West Africa in the resolve to maintain its fifty-year-old regional economic commission (ECOWAS) intact. “We oppose efforts to disintegrate our union and will not accept the region being used for proxy conflicts. We look to the AU and the UN to support us in keeping the regional body united,” Boakai stated.
Boakai said the world is grappling with numerous crises, including global threats such as diseases, security, and climate change, as well as food and resource shortages.
“Our vulnerabilities are evident, and we need to use our collective knowledge to find solutions that will preserve the planet for future generations,” he said. According to him, climate change is undeniably real, and its threat to the environment and way of life is becoming increasingly apparent; therefore, the world must take urgent action to address this threat, including cooperative efforts to implement Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
“Liberia, as the most forested country in West Africa, with over half of its land covered by forests, plays a vital role in biodiversity and environmental sustainability. As a result, our country is taking important steps to lead the conversation on climate action.”
The President said his government has called on the Legislature and other stakeholders to begin looking at the Paris Agreement, particularly under Article 6 to help advance actions towards establishing Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contribution to combat climate change.
“While we take these actions, we are mindful of the need to build capacity and invest in critical areas of our economy such as using alternative financing for investment in the blue and green economy, and technological transfer to support these climate actions,” the President said.
