YouSaid · the spoken record

George Manneh Weah

lines on the record: 70
first: 2018-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Let us remind ourselves that our collective strength lies in our unity. Together we can overcome any challenge; rebuild trust; promote peace and religious tolerance; uphold the tenets of democracy and the rule of law; support women’s participation; encourage diplomacy and strengthen global solidarity.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Liberia’s journey is best captured in the spirit of unity, resilience and ambition. Together, through collaboration and with a shared purpose, we can. and must, shape a world that upholds the rights and dignity of every individual. In alliance with our United Nations family. Liberia remains resolute in its commitment. We pledge to protect our planet, promote peace and prevent conflicts. We vow to ensure sustainable financing and amplify our partnerships, reflecting our shared determination for a brighter future. We must also accept that that can be achieved only through collaboration between and among Governments, non-governmental stakeholders and other partners, which will guarantee transparency, accountability, good governance and the inclusion of all citizens in the decision-making process.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is therefore our collective responsibility to urgently prioritize addressing the climate crisis as we strive to reach a target of a 64 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. There remains a need to prioritize support to countries, including Liberia, that have the capacity to use their biodiversity in building resilience against the changing climate. The United Nations has always been confronted with challenges and has stood the test of time. Hence, these, too. will pass. I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his New Agenda for Peace. Liberia is in solidarity with the bold steps needed to address the triple crises of disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution that are destroying our planet. Liberia is hopeful that concrete global action towards the attainment of the goals of Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) will be achieved.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The National Elections Commission has been strengthened to ensure that it operates without undue influence. In addition, political parties have committed themselves to a non-violent electoral process by signing the 2023 Farmington River Declaration, which obligates all actors in the elections to continue to promote peace. Let me. as a strong believer in democracy, reiterate my call for respect for constitutional governance and respect for the will of the people. While addressing the issue of elections and democracy, permit me to congratulate all democratically elected leaders around the world. Our world is also under threat from natural calamities, as seen in extreme climate conditions globally.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“I am pleased to inform the Assembly once again that in a few weeks Liberians will go to the polls, in keeping with the Liberian Constitution, to vote in our scheduled presidential and legislative elections. The October polls will mark the fourth peaceful general elections in Liberia since the end of the civil war in 2003. This seventy-eighth session is taking place at a time when my country is preparing for the first elections since the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping presence from Liberia. The 10 October election is an opportunity to sustain the gains made in our reconstruction and development processes. The Government of Liberia has taken all measures necessary to ensure free. fair, transparent, peaceful, inclusive and credible elections.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Liberia will continue to cooperate and collaborate with the United Nations as it continues to rebuild and strengthen its institutions and infrastructure. Five years ago. on the occasion of my first address to the General Assembly (see A/73/PV.8). we informed members about the peaceful democratic transition that had just taken place in Liberia. With the support of the United Nations and that of our friends, we have kept the democratic torch burning. We have maintained peace and security. We have protected human rights and the right of the media to operate peacefully and freely. The Liberian people have enjoyed the full exercise of their constitutional rights. The country is well on course to consolidate its democratic credentials.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Thanks to the support of our many partners, we remain unwavering in our commitment to explore means to further the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, as it represents the road map towards prosperity. I support Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s proposed SDG Stimulus plan and call for the actualization of $500 billion per year in order to boost sustainable development for developing countries through tackling the high cost of debt and the rising risk of debt distress; the scaling up of affordable longterm financing for development; and the expansion of contingency financing to countries in need. Liberia profoundly appreciates the continued engagement and support of the United Nations system in consolidating its peace and in its efforts to address emerging challenges.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Liberia appreciates the fact that this body has once again directed its attention to issues of global health, as demonstrated by the number of high-level meetings to keep that critical issue on our collective agenda. We emphasize unity of purpose as we address challenges that involve the provision of basic services to all people. Given that more than 60 per cent of Liberia’s population is composed of young people, the future of our nation rests on their shoulders. Understanding that immense responsibility, we are committed to continue paving the way for their growth and development. Cognizant of the fact that structural transformation drives prosperity, we are focused on infrastructure development, with roads and energy playing a critical part.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Liberia is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs; they are in line with our flagship national development plan — the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, which reflects our resolve to achieve peace and prosperity while addressing the structural impediments to economic growth and national development. The slowdown in global economic growth continues to be a challenge. Over the past 12 months. Liberia has made progress in areas ranging from health to education, gender equality and infrastructure development. We are proud of our achievements in reducing maternal mortality rates, increasing gender parity in school enrolment and elevating our overall health and well-being.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“That is why my delegation welcomes and supports the Secretary-General’s agenda of action to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals, and to re-embrace global solidarity and find new ways to work together for the common good of humankind. As the world deals with unprecedented global political and security challenges, there are growing concerns about the proliferation of non-State armed actors, threats of nuclear escalation and extreme climate conditions. Those challenges continue to serve as obstacles to our quest for a safe and peaceful world. Achieving the 2030 vision involves ensuring that the journey is secured through accountability and mutual understanding.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We must continue to promote global solidarity and rebuild trust in accelerating progress on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs. by design, require bilateral and multilateral collaboration to achieve the results that we seek. The theme of this year’s debate. “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.” adequately captures our current global demands. There is a critical need to ensure that development assistance is aligned with SDG projects.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“on the capable manner in which he administered the affairs of the General Assembly at its seventy-seventh session. Let me also commend His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General, for the astute manner in which he continues to administer the affairs of the United Nations in these difficult and challenging times. His foresight, commitment and dedication have kept the United Nations firmly on course. We have convened at a time when the world faces many challenges: security, social, economic and political, as well as natural disasters. We must exert collective efforts to confront those challenges, with a view to resolving them in order to bring about a safer, secure and prosperous future.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Let me begin by extending sympathy to all nations experiencing loss of life due to the recent natural disasters. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace. I am honoured to address the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Liberia. I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session, trusting that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the work of the Assembly. I wish to assure him of my delegation’s full support as he steers the work of the Assembly successfully, in fulfilment of the expectations and confidence reposed in him. Let me use this occasion to also congratulate his predecessor. His Excellency Mr. Csaba Korosi.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We must now seize the moment, confront the challenges and collectively endeavour to lift the poor from poverty, hunger, sickness and disease and ensure progress, development and prosperity for all. At the same time, we must protect our planet and guarantee and maintain global peace, security and stability. We must pursue efforts to make the United Nations more efficient, more effective, more inclusive, more accountable and more suited to its purpose.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In the run-up to the 2023 elections, it is incumbent upon all prospective candidates to avoid the incitement of violence and any other behaviour that could deprive the Liberian people of the peaceful space that they need to freely exercise their franchise and express their political will in choosing their leaders. We must let the people decide, and then we must respect their decision. That is indeed the true essence of democracy. If we are to advance the common good of humankind, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, then international cooperation must be given primacy and the principle of solidarity must have its rightful place. We have the platform to generate the transformative solutions that we seek. The world is watching. Our people are watching.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“At the regional conferences of the Mano River Union and ECOWAS, which have been convened to discuss efforts to restore democracy in a few trouble spots in our West African region, Liberia has constantly and consistently pleaded for strict adherence to constitutional term limits and a return to democratic civilian rule in cases of military takeovers. Liberia is expected to hold presidential and legislative elections in October 2023. The upcoming elections will be crucial to consolidating our democracy. In that regard, I underscore my Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the enabling environment will continue to exist for the holding of peaceful, free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections. That is in keeping with my commitment to ensuring that the democratic will of the Liberian people is respected at all times.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“After many years of civil upheaval, Liberia is becoming a stronghold of peace and a safe haven for democracy. That is because we have taken actions in the past few years to build and strengthen democratic institutions, such as the press and the Liberian judiciary. We have put forward new legislation that empowers the media, while eradicating laws that have tended to suppress free speech. I am proud to say that, from the beginning of my Administration to date, there have been no political prisoners in Liberia.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We thank the United Nations and our bilateral and multilateral partners for the support that we continue to receive in facilitating our contribution to global and regional peace and security. I am pleased to report that the International Monetary Fund’s latest appraisal of its ongoing programme with Liberia is very positive. It shows that inflation rates have been significantly reduced. There are now better prospects for economic growth compared to previous years, despite the negative effects COVID-19. Our efforts in instituting new policy measures to fight graft are also particularly commended in the report, along with our adherence to prudent fiscal management. Democracy in Liberia also continues to grow from strength to strength.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We anticipate that the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Egypt, will provide the opportunity to accelerate work towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Sustainable development can take place only in a peaceful and secure environment. In the fulfilment of our commitment to the maintenance of regional and global peace and security, Liberia takes pride as a troop-contributing country, with Liberian troops and other security apparatuses serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I would like to express Liberia’s sincere gratitude to our local and international partners, both multilateral and bilateral, for their continued support of our national efforts in combating the pandemic. As a result of that support, Liberia is well on its way to achieving herd immunity, hopefully by the end of this year, with 67 per cent of the population already fully vaccinated. My Government continues to take actions through the formulation of new policy frameworks and strategic interventions to address the impacts of climate change and protect the environment. Liberia is committed to achieving the target of a 64-per cent reduction in carbon emissions below business as usual by 2030.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“To that end, we have developed a legal framework, including the ratification of regional and international instruments to address gender inequalities, which arise as a result of sociocultural perceptions, practices and stereotypes that support male dominance and the subordination of women. I would like to inform the Assembly that my Government, together with United Nations partners, is implementing the European Union Spotlight Initiative to end violence and harmful traditional practices against women and girls and promote their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Furthermore, the Government of Liberia is currently implementing a $50-million project funded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to enhance the capacity of female entrepreneurs.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Given Liberia’s youthful population of more than 60 per cent, my Government initiated a youth rehabilitation and empowerment programme, the Socioeconomic Empowerment of Disadvantaged Youth Project, between 2019 and 2021, with the subsequent launch of a $13-million national fund drive for the rehabilitation and empowerment of at-risk youth in Liberia. We remain of the firm conviction that, when empowered, our youth can be a positive force for good. As Liberia’s feminist-in-chief, women’s empowerment and the promotion of gender equality remain key priorities of my Government. Women not only comprise almost half of our country’s population; they also play important roles at all levels of our society and must be given deserved equal attention, support and a place at the leadership and governance tables in our society.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Working together with the United Nations family, Liberia hereby commits to protecting our planet, promoting peace, preventing conflicts, ensuring sustainable financing and boosting partnerships. That commitment is reflected in the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, which embodies the expression of our shared determination to achieve peace, prosperity and national development and to address extreme poverty, inequalities, regional disparities, infrastructure deficits, climate change and equitable distribution of our national wealth.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It not only reminds us of the current state of our world, but provides us the space to reflect on the multiple challenges that confront us today. They include the health and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating effects of climate change, environmental concerns, poverty reduction, food insecurity and gender inequality. The challenges confronting the world today will require immediate collective global actions, with the United Nations at the centre of the search for solutions. In so doing, we must give special consideration to the needs of developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, in line with the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022-2031.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“This year’s Assembly is taking place at a difficult time when, even as the world is recovering from the scourge of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we continue to face the challenges of the war in Ukraine, climate change and its devastating effects on our environment. Just as the Ukrainian people are enduring the harsh impact of this unwarranted military incursion, the rest of the world is feeling the harsh consequences of economic downturn caused by disruptions in global supply chains, food insecurity and the rising prices of basic goods and services. The theme of this year’s Assembly, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”, is both appropriate and meaningful.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I am honoured to address this seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly on behalf of the Government and the people of Liberia. Let me congratulate His Excellency Mr. Csaba Korosi on his election as President of the General Assembly at this seventy-seventh session and assure him of Liberia’s fullest support. I would also like to commend his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid, for a job well done in administering the affairs of the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly. Let me also extend my profound thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his remarkable and visionary leadership.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As a Founding Member of the United Nations, Liberia avails itself as a strong partner in meeting these global challenges. I thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: We believe that the maintenance of world peace and security is of paramount importance for global growth and development. Every nation without peace is fragile, and has an uncertain future. Therefore, as we chart a new course for shared prosperity, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to multilateralism. As we confront these new challenges, multilateralism, international cooperation, and global solidarity will become increasingly important in addressing the complex problems that we now have to solve. Excellencies, Distinguished Heads of States and Colleagues, we must all continue to work together as a global community to confront disease and epidemics, fight poverty and prevent wars.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“On the issue of ending Female Genital Mutilation, for the first time in our country, traditional leaders have agreed to take ownership for ending this harmful practice. This has resulted into a first-of-its-kind suspension of the activities of all traditional bush schools in Liberia, where this harmful practice is carried out. In addition, we recently passed into law the Domestic Violence Act; a legal instrument that seeks to abolish all forms of violence meted out against women, children and men. Also, to call attention to the persistence and prevalence of corruption in our society, a National Anti-Corruption Conference was recently held, which was attended by all stakeholders, in an attempt to find practical and lasting solutions to this age-old problem.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“For example, our closure of schools in order to contain the COVID pandemic have seen an unprecedented recent increase in rape and Sexual and Gender-based Violence perpetrated upon young women and girls who have had to stay at home. In response to this epidemic within the pandemic, we recently convened a National Conference which involved all Sexual and Gender-based Violence stakeholders. This resulted in the validation of a comprehensive roadmap intended to mitigate the incidence of this menace in our society. Based on the recommendations that emanated from the roadmap, my Government has declared rape as a National Emergency, appointed a Special Prosecutor for rape, set up a Sex Offenders Registry, and established a National Security Task Force on Sexual and Gender Based Violence.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As part of this process of re-evaluation, the United Nations adopted in 2015 a set of 17 Global Goals to be met by 2030. These Sustainable Development Goals, as they are commonly called, are intended to serve as a roadmap for our collective efforts to bring peace and prosperity to all mankind. We are already five years into the 15-year Agenda, and with only 10 years left, it is already clear that we will have to redouble our efforts and accelerate our actions in many areas if we are to attain any or all of these lofty goals by the end of this decade. DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: My Government has taken many measures since the 74th General Assembly to deal with the persistent socioeconomic problems that continue to beset our country.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Nevertheless, the world has changed considerably since it came into existence after the Second World War, and the configuration of powers which obtained when its Charter was first written and upon which its decision-making structures were based, has witnessed many significant transformations over these past Seventy-Five years. There is therefore an urgent need to review, refocus and readjust the priorities of the United Nations so that it can become more relevant and more effective in meeting the challenges that are today presented by new global alliances and realities. In this regard, more attention has to be paid to inclusiveness of the most vulnerable in our societies, whose special needs require a new and different mind-set.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The Government has now developed a Post-Covid Economic Recovery Plan that prioritizes short term actions and investments in key sectors such as agriculture and tourism, as a means of reducing the impact of COVID-19 but also providing the basis for economic recovery. YOUR EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: Without a doubt, the United Nations remains today as the most important forum for peace, conflict resolution, the prevention of war, and the settlement of disputes between nations of the world, as well as the premier international organization for serving the needs of all mankind through its various humanitarian agencies.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In Liberia, we were able to build on our previous experience six years ago with the Ebola Viral Epidemic, and I am proud to say that the Government and its development partners have mounted a robust National Covid Response that seems to have contained COVID-19 for the time being. As a result, only about 1,320 Liberians have been affected by COVID-19 to date, of which approximately 1,213 of these have fully recovered, with some 82 Liberians falling to the epidemic. I therefore want to extend special thanks to our bilateral and multilateral partners for the strong support Liberia received to deal with the COVID-19 emergency and help sustain the Liberian economy.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Rich countries and poor countries have all been affected and are working together to eradicate this scourge. COVID-19 has taught us that as countries, whether rich or poor, developed or undeveloped, we are all united by our common humanity. We must all rise above normal divisions to work for a better, fairer and more united world. Your Excellencies, Africa has been hit hard by the pandemic, although the continent has not seen the number of deaths and affected persons as has been the case in many advanced countries. We can only attribute this to the MERCY OF OUR ALMIGHTY GOD, who has made sure that predictions of massive numbers of deaths on the continent of Africa did not materialize.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: The theme chosen for this year’s General Debate, “The Future we Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism — Confronting Covid-19 through Effective Multilateral Action”, could not be more appropriate, as the United Nations commemorates the Seventy-Fifty Anniversary of its founding amidst the ravishes of a global pandemic that has infected nearly Thirty Million of the citizens of most of its member states, and killed almost One Million persons globally in just over six months. On behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, I extend warm appreciation to all member countries of the United Nations and to all international organizations for the global solidarity we have seen in the face of COVID-19. The world has stood together.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, that you will lead this august body successfully and fulfill the expectations and the confidence reposed in you during these difficult times. Please also allow me to congratulate your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for the able manner in which he administered the affairs of the 74th Session of the General Assembly. Let me also commend His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his enthusiasm and personal dedication to the work of the United Nations; and for his foresight in devising innovative responses to the challenges of this deadly COVID-19 pandemic. MR.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I also say a special “thank you” to all the public health institutions and organizations throughout the world that are working tirelessly to bring an end to this dangerous virus that has taken the lives of so many millions in such a short time. I now extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives to this deadly disease. May their souls rest in Perfect Peace. YOUR EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir on his election as President of the Seventy-fifth (75th) Session of the United Nations General Assembly and assure him of Liberia’s fullest support in the discharge of his commendable duty. We have no doubt, Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the Seventy-fifth United Nations General Assembly His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations Excellencies, Heads of State and Government; Ambassadors; Heads of Delegations; Distinguished Delegates; Ladies and Gentlemen: I am honored to have the opportunity to address this 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia. Before I begin my address, I would like to pay homage to all the frontline fighters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of others during this COVID-19 period.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“All Liberians therefore have a responsibility to maintain the peace that we now enjoy, especially those who want to be future leaders of Liberia. I want to remind my fellow Liberians that it was the love of liberty that established our country, it was our unity that made us the first independent African republic, and it will take our joint efforts to sustain peace, achieve development, reconcile our nation and gain economic stability.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As part of our efforts to ensure an inclusive and participatory dialogue on the problems confronting our economy, including the urgent need to offer appropriate solutions, we recently initiated a national economic dialogue involving all local and international stakeholders. We have taken due note of their recommendations and have already begun to implement those that are most urgent and pertinent. I want to assure the Assembly that Liberia remains engaged as a responsible member of the international community at all bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. We will continue to work with the United Nations and its entities to foster peace, security and harmony among the nations and peoples of the world. To my fellow Liberians, both at home and abroad, I would like to say that without peace there can be no progress or development.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“My Administration has recently developed a new investment framework of incentives and tax reliefs that will directly benefit the private sector, and we invite the investment community to take advantage of that new opportunity. We have also established several other initiatives to address those challenges. For example, we are presently engaged in talks with the International Monetary Fund with the aim of entering into a programme with it. We are also reorganizing the leadership and management of our central bank to make it more efficient, independent and responsive to the issues of formulating and supervising monetary policy.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The Pro-Poor Agenda also emphasizes women and youth empowerment, as well as qualitative education and good health-care delivery. However, at this juncture we are beginning to face significant implementation challenges, due to the continued decline in prices of our major exports, as well as revenue shortfalls and structural imbalances. Increasing inflation and currency depreciation are tending to reduce the purchasing power of our citizens, putting further burdens on their standard of living. We have done our best as a Government to address those challenges and will continue to do so. Many of them persist, however, and are demanding our full attention to the problem of finding practical solutions to them. We therefore want to appeal to the United Nations for its continued assistance and expertise.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The theme of this seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly is “Galvanizing multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”, which certainly reminds us of our responsibility to focus on achieving the purposes of the United Nations in principle and practice. My Government has developed and is implementing a national development plan that supports this theme. Our Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development is intended to serve as our compass for reconstruction, development and modernization. While it gives priority to poverty reduction, it is also intended to support the efforts of middle- and upper-income Liberians to grow and prosper. It is equally centred on infrastructure development, road construction, road connectivity and agriculture.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The global economy is also under undue stress and security tensions are on the rise in many parts of the world. Trade protectionism and climate change are having unintended consequences, especially for developing countries. We strongly believe in the ability of the United Nations, however, to maintain international peace and security, foster friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights. We continue to have faith and confidence in the United Nations as the best universal institution for guiding the nations of the world in peaceful and harmonious interaction.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Considering the importance of this matter, I have already begun consultations with our national legislature — the representatives of our people — and we intend to have a broader engagement with the Liberian judicial system and with our strategic international partners and organizations in order to determine pertinent issues such as the legal framework, timing, venue and funding, among other things. It is my hope that at the end of this consultative process, a national consensus will evolve that will determine the pathway to resolving this issue. I therefore ask for the Organization’s unflinching support as we embark on this important national endeavour. We are gathered here today at a time of uncertainty and heightened tension in global politics, security and trade.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We are at a loss to understand why the clamour for establishing a court is now being heard, almost four decades after it was first called for, and during which time no such pressure was brought to bear on the Government that grew out of the Accra Peace Agreement. Nevertheless, our Government is a listening Administration, and we have been paying keen attention to the voices of our people. What I have discerned from their cries is that it is important to bring closure to the wounds from the 14 years of Liberia’s brutal civil war, and that we need to agree on a mechanism that would guarantee the sustenance of peace, stability, justice and reconciliation, as well as enhance our prospects for economic recovery.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“When I spoke before the Assembly last September (see A/73/PV.8) after my first nine months in office, I indicated a preference for dialogue as a conflict-resolution mechanism, so that as a Government and a people we could together focus our efforts on poverty reduction, growth and economic development, rather than retribution. Since then, however, we have heard a rising chorus of voices from many quarters calling for the establishment of an economic and war crimes court. They are the voices not only of thousands of war victims but also of alleged perpetrators, who seem to want to cleanse either their names or their conscience. Support for establishing such a court has also been voiced by many international organizations, as well as some of our international partners.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“That Commission was duly established, concluded its hearings and produced a final report in 2009. Among other things, the report called for the establishment of an extraordinary criminal tribunal to prosecute those identified as having committed gross violations of human rights and economic crimes between 1979 and 2003. It is important to note that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report also recommended the use of the palava hut, a conflict-resolution mechanism traditionally used in Liberia whereby in various district meetings conducted by community elders, perpetrators can publicly request forgiveness from their victims and the aims of restorative justice can be served.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We must all learn to respect the mandates of our electorates, even when that mandate is not in our favour, and not be selective in our support for democracy, supporting it only when we win. The Liberian civil conflict came to an end when all parties and warring factions signed the Peace Agreement between the Government of Liberia, the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, the Movement for Democracy in Liberia and the political parties in Accra in August 2003. The accord called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to provide a forum that would address issues of impunity, as well as an opportunity for both the victims and the perpetrators of human rights violations to share their experiences in order to facilitate genuine healing and reconciliation.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)