Liberia is embarking on a nationwide campaign to garner public support for its bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term. This ambitious endeavor, spearheaded by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, aims to mobilize Liberians both within the country and abroad to rally behind this crucial international initiative. While the official campaign launch took place in New York, the location of the June elections, the President is leading a domestic launch event to underscore the significance of this historic effort and secure the backing of the Liberian populace. The campaign emphasizes the potential benefits of a UNSC seat, including enhanced international standing, economic growth, and improved infrastructure.
The core message of the campaign revolves around the importance of Liberia’s representation on the global stage. Ambassador Lewis Brown, a key figure in the campaign, highlighted that although all 193 UN member states have equal representation in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the UN’s primary organ for maintaining international peace and security, comprises only 15 members. Five of these are permanent members with veto power, while the remaining ten are non-permanent members serving two-year terms. Africa holds three of these non-permanent seats, and Liberia has received the unanimous endorsement of the African Union for the 2026-2027 term. Securing the seat, however, necessitates robust national support to translate the AU endorsement into a successful election outcome.
The campaign seeks to engage a broad spectrum of Liberian society, including diplomats, religious leaders, traditional leaders, politicians, civil society organizations, women, youth groups, students, teachers, and journalists. This inclusive approach underscores the belief that a successful bid requires a united front, transcending political and social divides. The campaign organizers believe that Liberia’s presence on the UNSC will not only elevate the nation’s international profile but also translate into tangible benefits for its citizens. They anticipate increased foreign investment, job creation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced access to essential services such as clean water and electricity.
The campaign draws inspiration from the experiences of other African nations that have recently served on the UNSC. Ambassador Brown cited Sierra Leone’s successful tenure, which led to the establishment of lasting partnerships and significant infrastructural developments, and Ghana’s focus on global peace and security, which garnered increased international cooperation and support for domestic projects. These examples serve as tangible evidence of the potential benefits that UNSC membership can bring to a nation. The campaign organizers are keen to demonstrate that these are not mere aspirations but achievable goals with the potential to transform the lives of ordinary Liberians.
A crucial aspect of the campaign is the call for national unity. Ambassador Brown urged all political parties to put aside their differences and prioritize the national interest. He acknowledged the inherent competitiveness of democratic politics and the potential for lingering acrimony after elections. However, he stressed the importance of uniting on issues that transcend partisan politics and contribute to national pride, political relevance, and economic advancement. This appeal for unity aims to ensure that the pursuit of a UNSC seat becomes a shared national objective, rather than a subject of political division.
The campaign also emphasizes Liberia’s historical contribution to the UN and the significance of its return to the Security Council after a long absence. As a founding member of the UN since 1945, Liberia has only served on the Security Council once, in 1961, sharing a two-year term with the Republic of Ireland. Ambassador Brown highlighted Liberia’s advocacy for African unity and independence during its previous tenure, showcasing the country’s historical commitment to promoting peace and development on the continent. The campaign seeks to remind Liberians of their nation’s past contributions and inspire them to once again play a significant role on the global stage. Securing a seat on the UN Security Council is presented as a vital opportunity for Liberia to reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation and contribute to addressing the complex challenges facing the world today.
