MONROVIA, Oct. 23 (LINA) – Liberian President George Manneh Weah has called on the United Nations to realign its key priorities in order to match them with current day realities in the world.
“We can proudly say the world is safer today and more prosperous because of the UN. However, some of the main focus of this august body must be realigned to meet current day realities,” the Liberian leader noted.
“I am glad to be here today to participate on this special occasion marking the observance of the remarkable milestone the UN has achieved.
“It bears testament to the foresight of its vision bearers to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations; adopted on 25 June and formally enacted on 24 October 1945.
“As we celebrate, in advance, the Seventy Fifth (75th) year of the UN existence, Liberia, one of the 50 countries that signed the Charter in San Francisco, is proud to be a success story of what the UN stands for,” President Weah said.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 75th UN Anniversary at the Headquarters of the UN in Monrovia, President Weah indicated that countries and peoples have evolved, which has brought some changes to the world, as such; the UN must adjust to continue to achieve the objectives of the San Francisco Charter.
He cited that over the decades of its existence, the UN has scored remarkable progress around the world, particularly on the peace and security pillar.
“Its Peacekeeping missions, including UNMIL, for example, have brought about law and order from intractable conflict situations. It remains the beacon of fundamental human rights for all, including freedom of speech, gender equality and women’s empowerment,” President Weah said.
Additionally, the Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia said the global body has helped and continues to lead during health emergencies, stating that with UN assistance, Liberia combatted the Ebola virus and is now withstanding COVID-19, a deadly disease that is not going away.
The Liberian leader argued that COVID-19 has immensely overwhelmed healthcare systems around the world, including those of developed nations, noting that the attendant economic crisis of the virus continues to have an adverse impact on many nations around the world.
“Ours has been no exception, but working with our various partners, including the UN, we have seemingly been spared some of the most negative effects of the crisis so far,” the Liberian President stated.
However, Weah indicated that while the pandemic lingers, Liberians have experienced and continue to see different acts of violence and civil unrest in the sub-region, urging his counterparts to remember that “the real enemy is COVID-19 and not we and our people.”
“Let’s refrain from violence and embrace peace, because it is only through peace and stability development for our people and countries are possible,” Weah passionately appealed to the Liberian citizenry.
Meanwhile, President Weah has assured the UN of his government’s commitment in securing global peace and upholding basic human rights for all.
“My government remains committed to the UN in securing world peace and upholding basic human rights for all,” President Weah emphasized.
Also, President Weah lauded the Resident Coordinator of the UN, Dr. Kingsley Opoku Amaning and his staff for “a great working relationship” between the UN and the Government of Liberia.
He stressed that there have been common understanding between the UN and the Government of Liberia in various discussions over the implementation of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
Dr. Weah added that there has been common understanding that his Government and the United Nations will work more with the communities across the counties of Liberia.
“I would, therefore, like to see a greater and stronger United Nations presence at the community level to enable the world body tailor solutions that will benefit the people.
“I would like to again thank the UN for its tremendous collaboration with the government of Liberia in finding solutions for the advancement of lives and livelihoods of our people,” President Weah maintained.
