Washington, D.C., USA – On the inaugural Liberia Annual Diaspora Convention, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai assured Liberians overseas that they won’t be “mere observers” however key companions in shaping Liberia’s transformation agenda.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Talking beneath the theme “Renewing Liberia Collectively: Constructing a Way forward for Alternative for All,” President Boakai underscored the pivotal function of the Liberian Diaspora in driving nationwide renewal. He famous that the nation’s challenges could be overcome when Liberians, each at house and overseas, decide to reversing previous setbacks.
The Function of the Diaspora in Nationwide Renewal
Boakai described the Diaspora group as a “very important power” in constructing an inclusive, equitable, and affluent Liberia. He praised their sacrifices, particularly by way of remittances, which he mentioned have “stored households fed, kids at school, and houses collectively.”
“Now that you’ve got given fish, educate us to fish,” he urged, calling on Diaspora Liberians to deliver their experience, networks, and assets to help personal sector progress and nationwide improvement.
The 2025 convention introduced collectively Liberians from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and past, highlighting the worldwide power and variety of Liberia’s Diaspora group.
A Two-Means Partnership
President Boakai acknowledged that significant partnership requires mutual dedication. He assured the Diaspora of his administration’s dedication to making a clear and accountable atmosphere that protects investments and fosters alternatives.
“We perceive that partnership is a two-way avenue,” he mentioned. “My Administration is dedicated to establishing an enabling atmosphere—by way of improved infrastructure, healthcare, training, utilities, and safety—and to working with you on initiatives similar to a Diaspora Funding Fund.”
Nationwide Renewal and Transformation
Referencing Liberia’s latest election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Safety Council, Boakai described it as a “defining second” within the nation’s journey of renewal.
“We now have to revive our waning glory within the world group,” he declared, citing ongoing reforms beneath his authorities’s ARREST Agenda—Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Regulation, Training, Sanitation, Tourism, and Expertise. The agenda, he confused, aligns with Liberia Imaginative and prescient 2030 to construct a succesful and inclusive state whereas transitioning to a decrease middle-income nation.
Boakai emphasised that progress is already seen in healthcare, training, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance, although he admitted that extra have to be achieved—and urgently.
Governance Reform
On governance, President Boakai argued that Liberia’s recurring crises are deeply rooted in mismanagement and lack of accountability.
“The times of benevolent management are gone,” he asserted. “A small variety of folks unjustly used state establishments for private achieve on the expense of the bulk. We should reform governance to present voice and energy to residents throughout all counties.”
He vowed to pursue decentralization, constitutional reforms, and participatory governance to maneuver past Monrovia-centric decision-making.
Financial Transformation
Turning to the financial system, Boakai famous that over a 3rd of Liberians dwell in poverty regardless of the nation’s ample pure assets. He referred to as for a shift from an extractive financial system to 1 that provides worth, promotes native possession, and prioritizes agriculture.
“We should change progress with out improvement with progress that delivers improvement,” he mentioned, stressing the necessity to reinvest income in ways in which profit the bulk.
Social Inclusion and Nationwide Reconciliation
Addressing inequality, Boakai highlighted Liberia’s historical past of social, ethnic, and generational divisions that proceed to undermine unity.
“Our system has lengthy disadvantaged a lot of a voice in their very own affairs,” he mentioned. “We should confront these inequalities truthfully and dismantle them systematically.”
The President reaffirmed his dedication to peace and reconciliation as cornerstones of Liberia’s future.
“Overlooking impurity and anticipating peaceable coexistence is like plaiting hair with out first choosing the louse,” he cautioned. “Since 2003, now we have been on a troublesome journey of rebuilding belief, reconnecting communities, and redefining our identification. To maneuver ahead, we should confront our painful previous and construct a future rooted in reality, justice, and compassion.”
