Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Liberia stands before you today as a testament to the resilience of fragile states. Our history has been marked by a brutal civil war, the challenges of post-war recovery, and more recently, health crises and economic difficulties. However, through a deliberate process of peacebuilding, governance reforms, and regional cooperation, Liberia has emerged as a model of progress within the g7+ community.
The Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2003 was the foundation for Liberia’s transition from war to peace. With the invaluable support of ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, Liberia embarked on a journey of rebuilding state institutions and fostering reconciliation. The commitment of the Liberian people to democracy has been demonstrated through successive peaceful elections, culminating in the successive democratic transition of power.
However, we recognize that peace is not merely the absence of war. Sustainable peace requires inclusive governance, economic resilience, and the ability to address emerging threats, such as climate change and transnational organized crime. In this regard, Liberia remains committed to reinforcing governance structures, investing in social cohesion, and strengthening our democratic institutions.
The g7+ has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of fragile states on the global stage. Liberia’s post-war experience aligns closely with the core principles of the g7+, particularly the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States and the promotion of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Our efforts in peacebuilding and governance reform should serve as a case study for how fragile states can move from conflict to resilience.
As a community, we must advocate for increased international commitment to SDG 16, ensuring that fragile states receive the necessary support to build inclusive institutions and prevent the resurgence of violence. The g7+ should push for a stronger international financing mechanism tailored to the unique needs of fragile contexts, ensuring that peace dividends are translated into tangible development outcomes.
Beyond national efforts, Liberia has championed regional initiatives to address shared security concerns. A notable example is the Joint Chiefs and Elders Council Meeting (JCCEM) between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, which has served as an innovative mechanism for preventing cross-border conflicts and promoting stability.
This model, rooted in traditional leadership and community engagement, is a testament to the role of local actors in conflict resolution.
We propose that this approach be examined as a framework for other g7+ member states facing similar transnational challenges. Strengthening such community-led conflict resolution mechanisms can complement formal state-building efforts and enhance regional security.
While we celebrate our collective progress, we must also confront the evolving challenges that fragile states face today. The global economic slowdown, increasing geopolitical tensions, and the adverse effects of climate change disproportionately impact fragile states, exacerbating vulnerabilities and limiting growth prospects.
The g7+ must take proactive steps to reinforce its institutional influence. We must move beyond advocacy and push for concrete policy frameworks that strengthen our bargaining power in multilateral negotiations. To this end, Liberia supports the establishment of a permanent g7+ policy research unit to generate data-driven policy recommendations and enhance our engagement with international financial institutions, including the World Bank, the IMF, and regional development banks.
Thus, in recognition of the importance of fragile states continuing to have a voice in global governance, Liberia is pleased to announce its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026–2027, under the theme “Towards a Just and Peaceful World.” This bid is not merely about Liberia; it is about ensuring that the concerns of fragile states are effectively represented at the highest levels of decision-making.
If elected, Liberia would advocate for policies that prioritize conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction. We call on our fellow g7+ member states to support this candidacy as a strategic opportunity to bring the challenges of fragile states to the center of global security discussions.
Excellencies, the path from fragility to resilience is complex and requires sustained commitment. As members of the g7+, we must continue to share lessons, strengthen our collective voice, and advocate for a more inclusive global governance system.
Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of the g7+ and looks forward to deepening our cooperation as we work towards a future of lasting peace and shared prosperity.
Thank you.