Monrovia, Liberia – July 29, 2025-Liberia has won a significant position on the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, marking a milestone in the nation’s growing engagement in global financial governance. The announcement was made Tuesday morning in a joint release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
The statement confirmed the appointment of Mr. Darlingston Y. Talery, a seasoned tax policy expert and former Commissioner for Domestic Tax at the LRA, to represent Liberia on the influential 25‑member Committee. Talery currently serves as Director of the Department of Domestic Resource Mobilization at the ECOWAS Commission.
The Committee’s members were chosen by the UN Secretary‑General from among 58 global nominations. Each appointee will serve a four‑year term, set to conclude on June 30, 2029.
Liberia’s Appointment Lauded
Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti described the appointment as a resounding vote of confidence in Liberia’s capacity and credibility on the international stage. She emphasized that the nomination reflects both the professional distinction of Mr. Talery and the country’s readiness to actively shape discussions around fair and inclusive tax systems.
“The inclusion of Liberia in this globally significant committee sends a strong message about the growing influence of our public institutions,” Minister Nyanti said. “It is not only a recognition of Mr. Talery’s professional excellence but also an opportunity for Liberia to contribute meaningfully to global tax policy.”
LRA Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah echoed these sentiments, calling Talery’s selection a “proud moment” for the nation. He noted that the achievement was the result of years of consistent investment in capacity building and forward‑thinking tax reforms.
“Liberia is ready to play a meaningful role in international tax cooperation,” Jallah said. “This appointment will ensure that we bring home the benefits of fair global tax practices while strengthening our domestic tax systems.”
Talery’s Track Record of Excellence
Mr. Talery has been a central figure in Liberia’s tax administration since the formation of the LRA in 2014. During his tenure as head of the Domestic Tax Department, he oversaw remarkable growth in domestic revenue collection. Annual revenue nearly doubled, rising from US$200 million in 2014 to more than US$400 million in 2023, contributing to a cumulative domestic collection of over US$4 billion in less than a decade.
In recognition of his outstanding service, the LRA organized a farewell dinner in April 2024, where officials and partners lauded his contributions to building one of Liberia’s most important revenue institutions.
The Role of the UN Tax Committee
The UN Tax Committee, established under ECOSOC Resolution 2004/69 and supported by the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, plays a key role in advancing global tax cooperation. Its mandate includes strengthening tax transparency, combating illicit financial flows, and improving international tax rules to ensure fairness across nations.
With Liberia now part of the body, the country joins influential economies and reform‑driven nations including Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, France, India, China, Belgium, Brazil, and Australia.
Experts say Liberia’s membership provides a unique opportunity to amplify African perspectives, especially those from fragile or post‑conflict economies, within a global framework often dominated by larger economies.
Aligning with National Goals
Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the LRA stressed that Liberia’s appointment aligns squarely with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s agenda to enhance Liberia’s presence in global institutions and advocate for equitable international financial systems.
“This is more than a personal achievement for Mr. Talery,” the Ministry noted. “It is a national success that strengthens Liberia’s voice in shaping policies that directly impact our people and our development trajectory.”
As Mr. Talery prepares to take up his new role, hopes are high that Liberia’s presence on the UN Tax Committee will help bridge gaps in global tax cooperation while providing valuable insights into the unique challenges facing smaller and developing economies.
