It is no secret that the city of Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, is confronted with a crisis of poor sanitary conditions, often leaving the city to lie in filth and posing serious risks to the health of residents. However, as part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN in Liberia on Saturday, October 18, spearheaded a massive cleanup campaign in central Monrovia, bringing together government officials, private sector representatives, community members, and UN staff.
The exercise, which took place across major streets and communities in the capital, aimed to promote environmental cleanliness, public health, and community engagement under the theme “One Liberia, One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress.” UN staff, dressed in branded T-shirts and equipped with cleaning tools, worked alongside officials from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and other partners to remove garbage, sweep streets, and clear clogged drainages.
Speaking during the campaign, the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Madam Christine N. Umutoni, said the activity symbolizes the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Liberia’s development agenda through sustainable community initiatives.
“This cleanup drive is not just about marking a milestone, it’s about reaffirming our shared responsibility to keep our environment clean and to build a healthier Liberia,” the UN Resident Coordinator stated. Also speaking, a representative from MCC commended the UN for its long-standing partnership, noting that such collaborations demonstrate the importance of collective action in addressing urban sanitation challenges.
Several community members also expressed appreciation for the initiative, calling on residents to sustain the effort by maintaining regular sanitation practices in their neighborhoods. The cleanup campaign precedes the official commemoration of the UN’s 80th anniversary in Liberia, highlighting eight decades of partnership and progress between the global organization and the Liberian people.
