President Boakai to Lead Liberian Delegation as Government Announces Three Major High-Level Side Events in New York
NEW YORK-Liberia is set to join 193 United Nations Member States for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), with the country preparing to advance key national priorities on youth, women, climate change, peace and security, peacekeeping reforms, conflict prevention, and natural resource management.
The 81st UN General Assembly officially opens on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with the High-Level Week scheduled for September 22–29 in New York City.
The overarching theme for UNGA81 is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Liberia’s participation will focus on strengthening confidence in multilateral institutions while advancing discussions on peace and security, climate change, global health, sustainable development, digital governance, and humanitarian response amid growing global challenges.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accompanied by Foreign Minister Sara Beyslow Nyanti, will lead Liberia’s delegation to the high-level segment of the General Assembly later this month.
Beyond the General Debate, where world leaders will present their national positions, Liberia is also scheduled to host three high-level side events designed to spotlight the country’s priorities and experiences on critical global issues.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will host the first event, titled “Rooting and Rising: Liberia’s Vision for Youth and Security, Investing in the PATHWAYS Reform Mandate,” on September 18, 2026.
The event is scheduled for 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Nelson Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent UN Mission, 305 East 47th Street, New York.
A second high-level side event, focused on women’s leadership in peace and security, will be hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection on September 21.
Under the theme “From Pioneers to Global Leaders: Liberia’s Journey in Women, Peace and Security,” the event will take place from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM EST at the United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 5.
The Environmental Protection Agency will host the third side event on September 23, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), 22 East 42nd Street.
The event, titled “The Nexus, Conflict, and Natural Resources: Pathways to Peace, Resilience, and Sustainable Development,” will examine the relationship between natural resources, conflict, peacebuilding, resilience, and sustainable development.
As part of the High-Level Week, President Boakai is expected to present Liberia’s national position and priorities during the General Debate on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The UN General Assembly remains a major global forum where world leaders meet annually in New York to deliberate on pressing international challenges and seek collective solutions through multilateral cooperation.
For Liberia, its participation at UNGA81 is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s national priorities, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to global conversations on peace, development, climate action, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable management of natural resources.