The United Nations in Liberia on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, hosted a high-profile Media Breakfast to mark the global body’s 80th anniversary in
celebrating eight decades of partnership, peacebuilding and development between the UN and Liberia one of its proud founding members.
Held under the inspiring theme “One Liberia, One UN, One Future: 80 Years of Partnership and Progress,” the event took place at the One UN House on First Street, Sinkor, gathering government official.
Media representatives, and heads of UN agencies, the celebration served as a prelude to the main national observance set for Kakata City, Margibi County
Delivering the keynote address, UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni described the milestone as a time of both reflection and renewal.
“This is a moment to pause and reflect on the power of multilateralism, solidarity, and collective action,” she said.
“Liberia has stood proudly for peace and global cooperation since its founding membership in the UN.”
Highlighting Liberia’s strong leadership role on the global stage, Madame Umutoni applauded the nation’s current seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, calling it “a testament to Liberia’s growing international influence and engagement.”
She also praised the country’s economic progress, noting a 5.1% growth rate in 2024 and a projected 5.8% growth for 2025, largely driven by mining, agriculture and manufacturing under the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the UN in Liberia has supported life-changing initiatives include, access to family planning for over 368,000 women, School feeding for 70,000 children.
Rehabilitation of 345 kilometers of rural roads, Support for 30,000 cocoa farmers and training for 700 women farmers in land rights and sustainable agriculture
Registration of 6,900 properties, support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court and passage of the Legal Aid Act to enhance access to justice.
Looking ahead, Madame Umutoni announced the launch of the upcoming UN Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) a blueprint to guide future collaboration between the UN and Liberia.
The framework will focus on three national priorities: Human Capital Development, Good Governance and Rule of Law, and Economic Sustainability.
To achieve these goals, four flagship programs will be introduced, EduSkills advancing education and job readiness,
Adolescent Girls First empowering young women and girls, Digital Liberia, promoting e-governance and digital transformation;
SheFeeds Liberia supporting women in agriculture and agribusiness.
In her remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator emphasized the importance of media collaboration in promoting transparency and development.
“Your partnership is essential to tell the story of the UN at 80 to showcase Liberia’s achievements and the opportunities ahead,” she noted.
Other UN agency heads reaffirmed their commitment to Liberia’s growth
Mary Njoroge, WFP Country Director, emphasized that school feeding programs remain central to education and food security.
Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Representative, spoke on promoting women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Christian Mukosa, UN Human Rights Office Representative, highlighted progress in justice reform and accountability initiatives.
Stanley Kamara, from UNDP, reaffirmed UNDP’s technical support to the ARREST Agenda, noting that “UNDP remains a key partner in Liberia’s development journey.”
Leonard Kamugisha, UNFPA Deputy Representative, hailed the completion of the National Population and Housing Census as a milestone for evidence-based policy planning.
Andy Brooks, UNICEF Representative, underscored the success of the “Back to My Classroom” campaign and the Adolescent Girls Initiative in boosting youth development in Liberia.
Speaking for the Government of Liberia, Lawrence Fahnbulleh, Acting Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT)
Has commended the UN’s continued support across all sectors from health and education to agriculture, infrastructure and governance.
He urged the UN family to engage the Liberian public through MICAT’s regular press briefings to highlight ongoing anniversary activities.
“Before and after the war, the UN has been a steadfast partner in Liberia’s recovery and growth,” Fahnbulleh said.
“Today, that partnership continues to empower our people and institutions.”
Throughout October 2025, the UN and the Government of Liberia will host a series of anniversary activities, including youth dialogues, exhibitions, climate action initiatives, and the formal launch of the new Cooperation Framework.
The main national celebration in Kakata City will bring together government leaders, international partners, civil society and the media to honor 80 years of shared commitment to peace, progress and prosperity.
Closing the event, Madame Christine N. Umutoni reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering dedication to Liberia’s development.
“The United Nations stands with Liberia yesterday, today and tomorrow as we work together to build a resilient and prosperous. By Amos Harris
