President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has called for a stronger, and more results-oriented partnership between his government, and Liberians in the Diaspora.
Boakai meanwhile, urged citizens abroad to move from dialogue to concrete action in support of national development.
According to a dispatch, his statement was contained in an address he delivered at the 2nd Annual Diaspora Conference in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday, September 26,
Pres. Boakai said, the Diaspora remains an integral part of the Liberian nation, and a critical partner to advance the development agenda.
He spoke on the theme: “From Dialogue to Delivery: Mobilizing the Global Liberian Diaspora for National Transformation.”
Boakai recalled his commitment at last year’s conference to ensure that Liberians abroad are treated not as observers, but as full stakeholders in Liberia’s future.
He described the Liberian Diaspora as Liberia’s “16th County” and “Fifth Estate.”
He also cited its knowledge, skills, capital, professional networks, advocacy, and international experience as valuable resources for national transformation.
Boakai said, the government has made progress in strengthening Diaspora engagement, including support for the establishment of the Legislative Diaspora Caucus, increased institutional support for the Office of Diaspora Affairs through the National Budget, and continued efforts toward a durable legal, and institutional framework for Diaspora participation.
He also welcomed ongoing efforts to better understand the size, location, skills, institutions, and development potential of Liberians abroad, including the Rapid Survey conducted through Liberia’s diplomatic missions.
Boakai: “Liberia needs a credible, and regularly updated Diaspora information system to connect professional skills with national needs, investors with opportunities, institutions with potential partners, and younger generations abroad with their country of heritage.”
He emphasized the need for Diaspora engagement to be a reciprocal partnership, noting that government has a responsibility to create the conditions necessary for Liberians abroad to invest, return, transfer skills, and build partnerships with Liberia.
To translate the conference into measurable results, Pres. Boakai outlined five practical commitments to organize the global Liberian community through stronger coordination among Diaspora organizations, professionals, businesses, youth, women, and diplomatic missions; connect skills to national needs by creating practical pathways for Liberian professionals abroad to teach, mentor, advise, volunteer, and provide specialized services; turn capital into productive investment through credible projects, professional due diligence, transparent rules, and investment mechanisms capable of creating businesses, infrastructure, and jobs; invest in the next generation by connecting young Liberians abroad to Liberia through internships, mentorship, innovation, cultural exchange, service, and investment opportunities, and measure delivery by ensuring that major conference recommendations have a lead institution, designated partners, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
Pres. Boakai urged Liberians at home and abroad to maintain unity of purpose despite differences in politics, policies, personalities, and priorities.
Boakai participation in the 2nd Annual Diaspora Conference forms part of his engagement with Liberians abroad, and efforts to strengthen Diaspora participation in Liberia’s national development.
