MONROVIA – Foreign relations being universally critical to any country’s security, peace and economic stability, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai took a profoundly significant step in naming a special think tank, the Policy Advisory Council manned by Ambassadors at Large and chaired by an illustrious foreign service expert, B. Elias Shoniyin. Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA) and Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy at the Cuttington University, Shoniyin is heading a team the president has charged to help in enhancing Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing the nation’s foreign policy objectives. The Analyst reports.
The Executive Mansion announced this week that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. appointed a distinguished group of individuals as Ambassadors at Large to the Policy Advisory Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to a EMansion release, the appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to enhancing Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
Those named as members of the Council are Hon. B. Elias Shoniyin, Chairperson;Ambassador Blamoh Nelson, Member; Ambassador Ethel Davis, Member; Hon. Chris Moore, Member, and Hon. Robert Lormia, Member.
The release further noted that President Boakai also appointed Hon. Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh as Ambassador at Large for Special Duties, working under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the government’s strategic diplomatic initiatives.
“These appointments highlight President Boakai’s unwavering dedication to strengthening Liberia’s presence on the global stage and ensuring that the country’s foreign policy is effectively shaped by experienced and knowledgeable individuals,” said the release.
“The newly appointed Ambassadors at Large bring a wealth of expertise in diplomacy, governance, and international relations, which will be instrumental in advancing Liberia’s national interests.”
President Boakai, in making the appointments, is quoted as saying that he remains committed to fostering robust international relations, promoting economic diplomacy, and engaging with global partners to enhance development opportunities for the Liberian people.
At Glimpse at the Chairperson
The Honorable B. Elias Shoniyin who heads the Foreign Policy Advisory Council an experienced professor in international affair, development and diplomacy, a former diplomat with over 25 years in nonprofit and public service.
He served in multiple positions where he made significant contributions to Liberia’s post-conflict recovery and development, his current position being Managing Director/Managing Partner of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA) and Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy, Cuttington University.
He is World Fellow at Yale University, Principal Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia in two successive administrations, Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Cooperation & Integration, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation & Economic Affairs, amongst others.
Some highlights in these roles include his coordination of resource mobilization during Liberia’s Ebola outbreak from 2014-2016, his supervision of the Liberia Foreign Service, and his contribution to contextualizing Liberia’s post-conflict foreign policy.
Mr. Shoniyin’s leadership inspired strategic reforms in all spheres of Liberia’s Foreign Ministry and the diplomatic service of Liberia. He played a pivotal role in deepening Liberia’s post-conflict cooperation with friendly nations and exploring cooperation opportunities on new frontiers.
In recognition of his outstanding work and achievements, Hon. Shoniyin has received numerous honors and awards from esteemed institutions locally and internationally. For his distinguished service to the government and people of Liberia, he was admitted into The Humane Order of African Redemption and conferred the rank of Knight Commander. Others include Resolution of Honor—New York Legislative Assembly, Resolution of Honor—New York Senate, Resolution of Honor—New York City Council, and Excellence in Leadership—Africa Caribbean Business Council in Washington, among many others.