Liberia’s elevation to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member represents an important epoch in consolidation of the democratic gains, while contributing to global peace and international cooperation.
Such a platform is emblematic of a progressive status within the international sphere with firm implications on the country’s domestic realities.
As such, the country’s Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Genevieve A. Kennedy, believes this election ushers in a new era for Liberia within the international systems, beyond participation, but engaging with greater leverage that the country once displayed.
Reflecting on the triumph of the government and the people of Liberia, she commended the country’s Friends for recognizing it deep history as a founding member of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
Amb. Kennedy applauded the supervision and dynamism of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as well as the stewardship of Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, and Ambassador Lewis G. Browne, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The seat secured by decisive 181 votes, Amb. Kennedy notes: “provides impetus for broader inroad for the country within the regional and international forums.”
According to a release, Madam Kennedy, meanwhile, commended the Permanent Mission for job well done; adding: “Their top-level representation reflects the foreign mission’s role in making the case for the country globally.”
In another development, Amb. Kennedy has provided an in-depth account of the country’s role and enormous contributions to global maritime development.
She spoke recently in London, when Liberia launched its bid for the re-election to Category ‘A’ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
She reflected on the country’s rich history of participation within global maritime trade, security and leadership.
She pointed to the country’s great maritime heritage and tradition; citing it as a country adjoining the Southern Ocean in West Africa, which is blessed with 350 miles of pristine coastline dotted with four ports: The Freeport of Monrovia, the Ports of Buchanan, Greenville and Harper. Through these ports, the country ensures vital commodities reach international markets while bringing important goods and services.
Liberia has been a member of the IMO since its founding in 1949. Similarly, Amb. Kennedy reminded the gathering of maritime and other states representatives that the country has under its flag, more than 270 million gross tons of global shipping.
The Liberian registry, she continues: “is reputed for maintaining high standards as attested to by its whitelist status on various memorandum of understanding, including Paris and Tokyo.
Under the country’s leadership at the IMO in 2023, GHG Strategy was adopted; and the IMO NET-ZERO Framework for reduction of GHG approved this year at the 83rd session of Marine Environment Protection Committee.