By: Dorcas T. Gboerreh-Boe
MONROVIA, Oct. 21 (LINA)- Ahead of the 81ST anniversary of the United Nations Day celebration, the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia Madam Christine Umutoni has praised Liberia’s progress in peacebuilding and national recovery, describing the country as an example of resilience and sustained peace amid growing global challenges.
Madam Umutoni made the remarks during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 ahead of the 81st anniversary of United Nations Day, which will be formally commemorated in Liberia on October 26.
Umutoni said the celebration, normally observed worldwide on October 24, was rescheduled because the date falls on a weekend this year.
She explained that United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter and serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of multilateralism and collective action in addressing global challenges.
According to her, this year’s celebration is particularly significant because Liberia has assumed a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, reflecting the country’s progress in peacebuilding, democracy, and international cooperation.
“This is really a reflection of the strong and enduring partnership between Liberia and the United Nations,” Umutoni said, emphasizing the shared commitment to peace, development, human rights, and international cooperation.
She disclosed that, for the first time, Liberia’s United Nations Day celebration will be held on the grounds of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rather than at the UN House compound, as has traditionally been the case.
The event is expected to feature government statements, youth participation, cultural performances, and exhibitions highlighting cooperation between Liberia and the United Nations.
Umutoni said the celebration would also provide an opportunity for young people to share their aspirations under the theme “The Liberia We Want by 2030.”
She noted that many young Liberians did not personally experience the country’s civil conflict and increasingly view Liberia as a nation focused on peace, development, and future opportunities adding that sustaining the country’s peace is essential to addressing the expectations of young people, particularly their desire for employment, improved living conditions, and stability.
“Once you’ve attained peace, when you sustain it, the rest of the world is learning from you,” she said, describing peace as an increasingly valuable commodity in today’s world.
Responding to concerns about poverty, unemployment, and healthcare, Umutoni acknowledged that Liberia continues to face significant development challenges despite progress in maintaining peace and stability.
She stressed, however, that the country’s achievements should not be attributed solely to international assistance, but also to the resilience, determination, and efforts of Liberians themselves.
Umutoni cited Liberia’s response to the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic as examples of the country’s ability to build on its experiences and strengthen community-based health interventions.
She said Liberia’s experience in mobilizing community health workers during the Ebola crisis helped inform efforts to respond to COVID-19.
The UN Resident Coordinator added that the United Nations has worked alongside the Liberian government and other development partners across several sectors, supporting national priorities rather than replacing the country’s own development efforts.
She said the UN’s cooperation with the government under the new cooperation framework would focus on four key areas: human capital development, governance and the rule of law, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
She emphasized that addressing Liberia’s remaining challenges would require continued collaboration among the government, private sector, young people, women, civil society, development partners, and the wider population.
Umutoni called on Liberians and institutions across the country to participate in the United Nations Day commemoration and help communicate its messages to communities nationwide.
She at the same time, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to working with Liberia to advance peace, dignity, equality, opportunity, and prosperity for all.