—-As Liberia Flag Files High
IPNEWS: Ambassador Lewis G. Brown, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, officially spoke at the flag-raising ceremony in New York as
Liberia assumed its non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.
Ambassador Brown emphasized that Liberia’s seat marks a historic journey for the nation, which last served on the Council in 1961. He noted that this moment symbolizes Liberia’s transition from a recipient of UN peacekeeping support to a key contributor to global stability.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to the principles of multilateralism and collective security. Liberia intends to bring its “unique perspective” as a post-conflict nation to the Council, focusing on the lived experience of transitioning from war to peace.
According to the Liberia Permanent Mission to the UN, the country will prioritize Conflict prevention and peacebuilding, Women, Peace, and Security, Youth, Peace, and Security, and Climate security and climate justice, which were key messages throughout Liberia’s campaign for the Non-permanent seat.
Ambassador Brown called on all Liberians to unite regardless of political affiliation, asserting that the seat belongs to every citizen and represents a “proud symbol of national dignity”.
The national flag was raised at the UN Headquarters at 5:00 p.m. Liberian time, signifying the formal commencement of the two-year mandate alongside four other newly elected nations.
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Liberia officially assumed its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term ending on December 31, 2027.
The formal installation was marked by a ceremonial flag-raising at the UN Headquarters in New York on January 2, 2026.
Liberia was elected on June 3, 2025, receiving 181 votes out of 187 from the UN General Assembly. This marks the first time Liberia has served on the Council in 64 years, with its only previous term occurring in 1961.
Liberia joined four other newly elected members: Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Latvia.
Under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia has pledged to focus on Conflict Prevention & Peacebuilding: Leveraging its own post-conflict recovery experience, Prioritizing the protection of women and children in conflict zones, addressing climate change as a driver of global insecurity and enhancing the effectiveness of UN operations.
Liberia is part of the 10 non-permanent members, serving alongside Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.
Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia are elected until the summer of 2027
China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
