As President Weah Thanks UN & Other Partners for their Supports to Liberia’s Peace
IPNEWS – The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Agencies in Liberia, Madam Christine N. Umutoni, has praised Liberians for conducting and taking part in the October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections, which she described as “peaceful and credible.”
“During the first round of elections this year the population turned up in large numbers – (the percentage is one of the highest in the region in recent times), we noted the involvement of so many young people and more than 52% registered women voters speaks volume. It signified Liberians’ collective aspiration for a bright and prosperous future and shows a high sense of responsibility. Young people in Liberia constitute 75% of Liberia’s population, are the present and the future, and their active engagement in national processes including political participation is a demonstration of their nationalism and patriotism – essential foundations for the long-term development and stability of the nation,” the UNRC further said.
Ms. Umutoni spoke Tuesday, October 31, at the official celebration marking the UN’s 78th Anniversary. The UN was established on October 24, 1945.
Speaking further, the UNRC said “this year’s celebration of United Nations Day in Liberia is particularly special as it coincides with the successful completion of the first round of Liberia’s general elections.
“I would like to congratulate Liberia from the bottom of my heart for largely peaceful and credible first round of, according to local and international observers. Liberia deserves a big round of applause.”
To round of applause from the Liberian Government officials, including President George Manneh Weah himself, Ms. Umutoni provided this information to the government’s critics who have said that the international community had heavily funded the elections: “Since we are in the UN compound, I would like to remind everyone that these elections are fully nationally-owned and largely funded by Liberia. There is no UN peacekeeping force involved in anything at all. The country managed and financed its own security operations for the elections.”
She went further to add: “Liberia is still being quoted as the best example of transitioning from peace keeping mission supported country to one where the UN is simply partnering in development.”
She also spoke of the strides Liberia has made since coming from its brutal civil war in 2003.
“Today we celebrate that Liberia has made significant strides in achieving political stability since the end of the civil war in 2003. We share the joy of sustained peace in a country that has experienced peaceful transitions of power through democratic elections, four times already. This demonstrates commitment to a stable political environment.
“This we also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Liberia has made major commitments which are appreciated.
“We celebrate big and small wins that is what keeps people and countries moving. This country registered relative economic growth in 2022 of 4.8% due to mining and relatively good agricultural harvest. We also understand the Human Development Index (HDI) had increased by 20.3% from 1999 to 2019. Although we know due to COVID, global wars and high global inflation and price of fuel might have affected further progress.”
Embedded in Madam Umutoni’s remarks was the UN Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres’ UN Day Remark: “The United Nations is a reflection of the world as it is – and an aspiration of the world we know it can be.
“It is our responsibility to help build that world of peace, sustainable development and human rights for all.
“I know we can do it. The Charter of the United Nations – which entered into force 78 years ago today – points the way.
“Above all, it is rooted in a spirit of determination to heal divisions, repair relations, and build peace.
“To expand opportunities and leave no one behind.
“To ensure justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls.
“To provide life-saving relief to those in need.
“And to be flexible enough to address challenges that did not even exist when the UN was born – from the existential climate crisis to the perils and promise of artificial intelligence.
“The United Nations is guided by timeless values and principles, but it must never be frozen in time. That is why we must always keep strengthening ways of working and applying a 21st century lens to all we do.
“On this United Nations Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build the better world of our aspirations.
“Let us commit to a future that lives up to the name of our indispensable organization.
“We are a divided world. We can and must be United Nations.
Also speaking, President Weah told the audience that this year’s UN Day celebration “falls in line with our political season, where we have seen Liberians exercise their democratic rights through the election of Senators and Representatives, and are poised to embark upon the runoff election for their President on Tuesday, November 14th in a free, fair, peaceful and transparent process.”
“I want to thank the United Nations and all our international and national partners and friends for the support given towards our journey to sustainable democracy. I pledge to continue to uphold the confidence reposed in me to guide the process and ensure our collective action towards actualizing the 2030 Agenda.”
