United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Christine N. Umutoni has expressed optimism in Liberia’s future; saying the country is not defined by its obstacles but rather resilience, progress and determination of its people.
In her blog posted on the United Nations in Liberia website, Umutoni acknowledged that Liberia faces challenges with diversifying the economy, eradicating poverty, strengthening institutions, and closing development gaps, however, she noted the determination of Liberians keeps the country moving forward.
“Now is the time to turn peace into lasting prosperity, to let democratic values drive inclusive growth, and to show that Liberia can be a beacon of what is possible when a nation invests in its people and believes in its own potential,” she indicated in her blog on July 30, 2025.
She assured that the United Nations in Liberia will continue contributing to the country’s story of dignity, resilience, and inclusive development.
The blog, which was written on the topic “Liberia’s journey of hope: Turning democratic dividends into development gains,” The UN Resident Coordinator recalled “When I arrived in Liberia in February 2023, the country was preparing for general elections. These are always pivotal moments in a nation healing from the scars of civil wars, which Liberia experienced twice, from 1989 to 1997 and from 1999 to 2003. Elections are more than political milestones; they are tests of the nation’s enduring commitment to peace.”
What followed later that year, she stated, was remarkable. “A peaceful, democratic vote, and a dignified transfer of power from former President George Weah to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. In doing so, Liberia reminded the world – and perhaps itself – that it continues to choose peace over conflict and dialogue over division. At a time when democratic setbacks are on the rise globally, Liberia offered something deeply valuable: proof that peaceful, people-driven transitions are not only possible, but resilient.”
From conflict to confidence, she explained that a national story of hope gained global recognition when Liberia’s steady commitment to peace has not gone unnoticed.
As Umutoni deliberated further, these were words: “In June 2025, the country was elected to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term—a powerful sign that the world sees Liberia not only as a beneficiary of peace but also as a contributor to it. This nation’s story is remarkable. It should be told not in footnotes or in whispers, but with pride. Liberia was Africa’s first Republic, a founding member of both the United Nations and the African Union, and a long-standing champion for regional peace. Liberia is not defined by conflict or crisis, but by courage, persistence, and the daily work of building a nation, one step at a time.”
What Liberia has and where it can go next
She noticed that too often, Africa’s narrative is framed in terms of what is missing. But in Liberia, it is something else, “a view shared by many who know this country well. Liberia is rich in land, minerals, forests and coastline. It is a young nation, with more than 70 per cent of its population under the age of 35, and a society brimming with leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers where women make up a majority. Above all, it is a country with a resilient spirit, forged through survival and sustained by solidarity.
She observed that Liberians are more than the challenges they have overcome. “They are builders, ready to lead the next chapter of their country’s transformation. The question is no longer whether Liberia can rise – but how quickly and inclusively it can do so.”
