New York, USA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai who is currently engaged with other world leaders at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has assured the world body of his country’s determination to recommitting to resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 79/288.
According to the Liberian leader, his government which is determined to move from pledges to results, sees women empowerment as a call to action that goes lip service, noting that Liberia is proud to stand among the first Member States leading on two important Action Agendas: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and Investing in Young People, Girls, and Future Generations.
President Boakai used the occasion to inform on his government’s Agenda for Inclusive Development, through which Liberia will invest US$8.3 billion over five years to transform lives, with gender equality, youth empowerment, education, health care, and social development at the heart of our priorities.
“We pledge zero tolerance for gender-based violence, with massive awareness and public education programs, and with dedicated budget allocations.
“We will permanently ban harmful cultural practices. What was once a three-year moratorium will now become national law, supported by nationwide dialogues and alternative livelihood programs.
“We will implement a National Action Plan for Young Women and Girls to provide a roadmap for empowerment, voice, and protection,” Boakai said. He brought up the analogy of the African proverb that speaks to how unity can be used to empower societies.
“An African proverb reminds us: ‘When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’ Similarly, when women are fully empowered and supported, entire nations thrive.
“As Liberia embarks on its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council, we will ensure that the voices of women and youth are not only heard but also shape the Women and youth Peace and Security agenda.
“Our programs are already changing lives. The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is reaching 36,000 businesswomen across 6 counties, impacting more than 260,000 Liberians through increased income, resilience, and growth.
“The REALISE Project supports 53,650 vulnerable households, with direct cash transfers to 16,000 families, mainly women-headed households, and business assistance to over 4,450 individuals, 80 percent of them women.
“Projects like Nurture, Empower, and Protect (NEP) and Accelerating Impact for Young Women have already equipped nearly 25,000 adolescent girls and young women with essential health knowledge, entrepreneurship skills, and life skills. By 2031, more than 160,000 young women are expected to benefit.
“On behalf of the people of Liberia, I reaffirm our commitment to work with Africa and the global community to make Beijing+30 a reality, for this generation and the next,” President Boakai informed the world body.
As a key highlight of the day, President Boakai attended a special reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in honor of attending Heads of State at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Additionally, members of the Liberian delegation attended several key sideline events, including the 7th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM Council), the ONE Campaign and The Africa Center’s Dialogue on Critical Minerals: Adding Value, Driving Unity, Building, and the Sustainable Development Goal Moment 2025.
These engagements form part of Liberia’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships, foster sustainable development, and advocate for Africa’s priorities on the global stage.
President Boakai emphasized that Liberia remains steadfast in its support of the United Nations and is committed to working with the international community in pursuit of peace, equality, and shared prosperity.