MONROVIA – While most people may be overwhelmed by the pomp and pageantry of celebrations marking Liberia’s 200 years of existence as a nation, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf thinks beyond the euphoria lies the exigency of deeper national discussion on the future of the country.
“I hope that when the pomp and pageantry and the joyful celebrations of the next few days are over, we will have the opportunity as a nation with groups from all persuasions – executives, political, business, religion, young women to sit and reflect very deeply on the state of our nation – on our history, on our journey and on our bright future,” the Liberian leader said.
“If we do that I think we can find way to see how we might be ensured that we are not left behind,” she noted.
She added: “It is often said that historically Liberia has been short change by the United States of America, but we also recognize that in the many years of our journey of successing tragedy the United States has been a party, and we want to recognize that that partnership has enable us today to have a sustained peace that provides us the opportunity for development.”
She thanked foreign dignitaries for honoring Liberia’s invitation to attended the launch of the Bicentennial celebration.
She also thanked President Weah for organizing the event and inviting the dignitaries.
UN SG Appoints Madam Sirleaf
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as co-head of an advisory board for a new global initiative.
Madam Sirleaf will co-lead the High-level Advisory Board of the ‘Our Common Agenda,’ an initiative of the Secretary-General that is geared towards accelerating the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Madam Sirleaf’s co-chair is former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.
The two were named by Mr Guterres last Thursday during the First Thematic Consultation on the Our Common Agenda report.
The initiative, according to the UN, is an agenda of action designed to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements – particularly the 2030 Agenda – and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
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