The 2025 Liberia Diaspora Annual Return Committee has officially released the calendar for this year’s national homecoming festivities, unveiling an ambitious three-week program aimed at strengthening national unity, boosting investment, and reconnecting Liberia with its millions-strong Diaspora across the world.
Held under the theme “Our Liberia, One People,” the 2025 edition is poised to be the most expansive yet, with organizers projecting a 30–40% increase in Diaspora attendance compared to previous years, reflecting a growing appetite for cultural reconnection and renewed participation in Liberia’s development agenda.
According to the Committee’s Communications Chair, Madam Urey, this year’s theme underscores a national call to unity at a time when Liberia is working to consolidate peace and rebuild public trust. “This year’s edition emphasizes reconnecting Liberians in the Diaspora with their homeland, strengthening the ties between local communities and the global Liberian family, as well as the wider African Diaspora,” she said during a press conference in Monrovia.
She described the Annual Return as “a bridge between Liberia and its global citizens,” promoting cultural exchange, encouraging investment, and celebrating Liberia’s rich heritage. Elaborating on the theme, she noted: “‘Our Liberia, One People’ is a call for ownership, responsibility, pride, and nation-building. It highlights unity beyond tribe, region, religion, or political affiliation. Liberia’s greatest strength lies in its diversity”, she added.
Also speaking at the press briefing, Erasmus Williams, head of the Diaspora Affairs Office, emphasized that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is “direct and intentional” about promoting inclusivity, particularly the involvement of Liberians abroad in governance and nation-building. He described Diaspora Liberians as “key partners in the rebuilding process,” noting that they contribute an estimated US$350–400 million annually in remittances, one of Liberia’s largest economic lifelines.
Williams urged Liberians worldwide to “come home and be part of this year’s transformative edition.” Committee Chair Dr. Clarice Kula outlined a detailed calendar of events spanning culture, policy, investment, health, reconciliation, and youth empowerment.
President Boakai will formally open the Annual Return with an official State welcome for the global Diaspora community. National Investment Commission representative Dan Maxwell Jr. said the Summit is a continuation of the September 24–26, 2025, Diaspora Conference held in Washington, D.C. The Summit will focus on Liberia’s current investment climate, comparing reforms implemented over the past 2–4 years, new investment incentives for Diaspora Liberians, Sector-specific opportunities including agriculture, tourism, health, ICT, infrastructure, and manufacturing
“We want to see Liberian enterprises connect with Diaspora professionals and Diaspora capital,” Maxwell stressed, emphasizing that investment linkages are central to the country’s economic revival. Participants will include the Liberia Business Association, the Ministry of Health, as well as clinicians, entrepreneurs, and financial experts, he noted.
In partnership with the International Migration Organization (IMO), UN agencies, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders, the forum will address reconciliation, social cohesion, and the future of inclusive nation-building. A night dedicated to honoring Liberians both at home and abroad who are elevating the country’s image globally. “It is going to be an amazing celebration of those making Liberia proud,” Dr. Kula said.
Over 500 children from orphanages will be fed, entertained, and presented with Christmas gifts. Dr. Kula called on participants to “support and celebrate the children who represent Liberia’s future.” Additionally, a one-day forum will address critical health sector challenges, including: Drug abuse, mental health, Human resource shortages, Healthcare financing and Emergency response gaps
Discussions will explore how Diaspora medical professionals and investors can help strengthen the system. The Annual Return officially concludes in early January 2026 with community engagements and cultural showcases. “The Diaspora Annual Return is about reconnection, reconciliation, and recommitment to building a prosperous Liberia for all,” Madam Urey concluded.
By: Julius Konton
