Liberia has been described as a “global role model for peacebuilding and post-conflict transition” by the Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), H.E. Ambassador Nicola Clase of Sweden, following the conclusion of her official visit to the country.
The high-profile visit reaffirms strong international backing for Liberia’s peacebuilding priorities, with renewed calls for accountability, inclusive governance, and the establishment of the long-awaited War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC).
“Liberia has become a global role model for peacebuilding and post-conflict transition, emphasizing that peacebuilding must remain inclusive, nationally owned, and locally led, while supported by strong and coherent international partnerships,” Ambassador Clase declared.
During the visit, she led a delegation comprising representatives from Sweden, Morocco, and Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. The team held high-level meetings with President Joseph N. Boakai, former Presidents George Manneh Weah and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
During the visit, the discussions centered on Liberia’s democratic progress, transitional justice, and sustaining peace gains achieved since the end of the civil conflict. Also, Ambassador Clase extended an invitation to President Boakai to brief the Peacebuilding Commission in New York on Liberia’s peacebuilding priorities.
Moreover, the delegation praised Liberia’s peaceful 2023 general elections and the smooth transfer of political power, describing it as evidence of the country’s democratic maturity and the collective determination of Liberians to preserve peace.
It also pointed to Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term as a strong sign of growing international confidence in the country’s governance and diplomatic standing.
A major focus of the visit was accountability and transitional justice, with the delegation stressing the need for continued progress toward establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court, seen by many as a critical step toward justice for victims of Liberia’s civil wars.
The Chair noted that education remains a key driver of peacebuilding, while women and youth were repeatedly highlighted as central to sustaining long-term peace. Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security was recognized as a significant achievement in that effort.
Moreover, the delegation also stressed the importance of protecting civic space, strengthening decentralization, addressing land disputes, and supporting community-based peace structures.
“Liberia’s progress reflects strong political will over several years, and the shared responsibility of its people and institutions,” Ambassador Clase said.
She said, “We encourage inclusive dialogue across political lines and all sectors of society to continue Liberia’s positive peacebuilding momentum.”
As part of the visit, the delegation toured projects funded by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, focusing on youth empowerment, anti-drug rehabilitation, anti-corruption initiatives, civic education, and transparency programs.
Ambassador Clase said the findings from the mission would be taken back to the Peacebuilding Commission to help mobilize stronger political attention and sustained international support for Liberia.
The delegation also noted ongoing UN efforts to conduct a Peacebuilding Impact Spotlight study on Liberia, the second of its kind, which aims to document lessons from the country’s post-war recovery and peacebuilding journey.
“Liberia’s peace story is still being written,” Ambassador Clase concluded. “We must build on what has been achieved, support those shaping it today, and enable future generations to carry it forward,” she added.
