By Christine N. Umutoni | United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia
After a peaceful transfer of power in 2023 and its recent elections to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027, Liberia is showing itself as a strong example of democratic resilience and progress. This shift highlights the country’s move from being a recipient of peacekeeping to becoming a contributor to global peace and diplomacy.
This is a major milestone for Liberia, which is still recovering from two civil wars that devastated the country between 1989 and 2003. The smooth handover from former President George Weah to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in late 2023 has been praised both at home and abroad as a sign of Liberia’s growing democratic strength.
Christine N. Umutoni, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, said the election not only reassured Liberians but also sent a clear message to the world that peaceful democratic transitions are possible, even in countries recovering from conflict. She pointed out that Liberia’s progress stands out amid global worries about democratic setbacks.
Peace and progress are at the heart of Liberia’s goals. The country’s stability, now lasting over twenty years, is seen as one of its greatest achievements. However, officials and development partners stress that peace needs ongoing effort and care. The government is committed to using this stable time as a base for inclusive development that benefits everyone.
A key part of this is the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a five-year plan from 2025 to 2029. It focuses on six main areas: Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. These priorities are backed by six development pillars: economic transformation, infrastructure, governance and anti-corruption, environmental sustainability, human capital development, and rule of law.
Officials say the plan aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, ensuring Liberia’s goals fit well with international development efforts.
With over 70% of the population under 35, the government is focusing on education, skills training, and technology as key drivers of growth. Women, who make up most of the population, are also central to the country’s development.
The agenda also highlights climate resilience, especially in farming and coastal areas, recognizing the risks environmental challenges pose to food security and people’s livelihoods.
As international aid declines, Liberia is working to rely less on foreign help. At a recent Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain, global leaders, including Liberia’s team, agreed that countries need to take more responsibility for funding their own development.
Liberia plans to grow and digitize its tax system, formalize informal businesses, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector. The government is also looking into new financial tools like green bonds, diaspora bonds, and gender-focused financing to raise funds. Fighting illegal financial flows is a key part of this work.
The United Nations Country Team in Liberia is shifting its focus from post-conflict recovery to long-term development. Under the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), the UN will support Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, focusing on economic growth, good governance, rule of law, and developing human capital.
Officials say this partnership aims to keep Liberia’s priorities at the center of international support, delivering real benefits to communities and making sure no one is left behind.
Looking ahead, despite big challenges like reducing poverty, strengthening institutions, and diversifying the economy, Liberia’s government and its partners remain hopeful. With peace as its foundation, the country is determined to turn democratic progress into lasting development.
Many believe Liberia’s success in keeping peace while promoting inclusive growth could make it a shining example of progress in West Africa and beyond.
