A Roadmap for an Inclusive Diaspora -Diaspora Liberians Hold Historic Conference in USA

MONROVIA – In a significant step towards harnessing the potential of Liberians in the diaspora, the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference 2025 brought together hundreds of Liberians from around the world to brainstorm on how to contribute to their country’s development.

Held in Washington DC on September 27, 2025, the conference saw a myriad representation of Liberians from the Americas, Europe, and Africa converge to chart a roadmap for Liberia’s forward march in championing the ARREST Agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

The conference was a testament to the growing recognition of the critical role diaspora Liberians play in the country’s development.

In 2023 alone, personal remittances from Liberians living in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world totaled $800 million, representing 18% of Liberia’s Gross Domestic Product. Moreover, between 2019-2023, the cumulative net remittance inflows from diaspora Liberians amounted to about $1.17 billion.

President Boakai, in his keynote address, assured diaspora Liberians of equal participation, emphasizing that the gathering of Liberians in distant shores has been in the making for a long time.

“I believed then, as I do now, that formalizing this partnership is essential to the renewal and rebuilding of our country,” he said.

The Liberian leader called on his compatriots to be fully engaged in the rebranding of Liberia, noting that with strong leadership and a people-focused vision, Liberians can create a country that embodies what everyone aspires the country to become.

The conference highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement in Liberia’s development, with President Boakai emphasizing the need for active, sustained, and intentional involvement. “Rebranding Liberia and transforming our society cannot be done by the government alone; it requires your active, sustained, and intentional involvement,” he said.

Major takeaways include Diaspora Engagement: President Boakai emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement in Liberia’s development, calling for active, sustained, and intentional involvement; ARREST Agenda: The conference aimed to champion the ARREST Agenda, prioritizing Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism; Consular Services: Diaspora Liberians called for the establishment of consular services in Europe, Australia, Canada, and other parts to serve the interests of Liberians living abroad; Rwandan Experience: Professor Charles Muengadi shared Rwanda’s experience of rising from civil war to become one of Africa’s powerhouses, offering valuable lessons for Liberia’s development.

The conference provided a platform for Liberians in the diaspora to engage with their government and contribute to the country’s development. With the theme “Building the Future Together,” the conference aimed to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among Liberians worldwide.

As the conference came to a close, participants expressed their commitment to working together to build a brighter future for Liberia. “Let this conference be more than a dialogue,” said Professor Muengadi. “Let it spark commitment and action. Let Liberia too be remembered not only for its trials, but much more for the triumphs of its renewal.