Monrovia- UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, today, February 14th, presented her letters of credence to President George Manneh Weah, says a UN press release.
While accepting her letter of credence, His Excellency President George Manneh Weah noted the cordial ties subsisting between the United Nations System and the Republic of Liberia, which dates as far back as 1945 when Liberia signed the Charter of the United Nations in San Francisco, California, United States of America. The President, as Feminist in Chief, congratulated Ms. Christine N. Umutoni’s appointment as the Resident Coordinator in Liberia and, in particular, the first female Resident Coordinator in Liberia.
“We want to reiterate through you, Madam Resident Coordinator, our profound thanks and appreciation to His Excellency, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations; including the UN Country Team; for your relentless support; aimed at implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and accompanying the country’s efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its Common Agenda that are aligned to Liberia’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.”
He highlighted the critical importance of social cohesion and integration to sustaining peace. He stated that the Government prioritizes goals and actions that create shared values, civic responsibility, mitigation of conflict, reduce income inequalities, and improve essential services and upward social mobility. President Weah also emphasized that October’s election remains the government’s key priority for this year.
In conclusion, President Weah assured the UN Resident Coordinator of his support and that of the Government for the mutual benefit of the country, people, and the United Nations System.
In her remarks as she presented her credentials to His Excellency President George Manneh Weah at the Executive Mansion, Ms. Christine N. Umutoni underscored Liberia’s historical relationship with the UN, noting that “Liberia is a founding member of the UN and noted the mutual respect, trust, strategic partnership which has always governed the relationship between Liberia and the UN.”
“Your Excellency, permit me to commend you, the Government, and the people of Liberia for maintaining peace and stability and promoting development in Liberia since the departure of the United Nations Mission in Liberia in 2018. It has not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the UN family, allow me to appreciate Liberia for going from over 15 years of being “peace kept” to a troop-contributing country in Mali. This is a testament to the resilience of the people of Liberia and that the country is strongly positioned on the path of lasting stability, democracy, and prosperity”, she said.
Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni noted that it was inspiring to see the country’s commitment to peace and security as Liberia prepared for elections and reiterated that the UN would support national programs to ensure free, fair, transparent, and credible elections.
She further stated, “The UN applauds His Excellency’s efforts, as Feminist-in-Chief, in ensuring more women representation in public life, and your staunch support of a mandatory 30% gender quota for women on candidate listings is a clear illustration of your tireless efforts to empower the women of Liberia.”
She acknowledged the government’s commitment to the national community development program to support especially the most vulnerable and all people of concern, promoting good governance and human rights, strengthening health systems, including the excellent management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She commended the Government’s work on climate change and various efforts toward economic growth in general.
Ms. Umutoni acknowledged the national efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the 2022 National Population and Housing census, which was conducted according to international standards to aid national development planning.
Like all developing countries, Liberia continues to tackle challenges related to sustainable development in post-conflict countries, and the UN Resident Coordinator is optimistic that implementing the Pro-poor vision of the country will go a long way to help the country progress towards the achievement of SDGs.
Meanwhile, the UN Resident Coordinator has applauded the work of her predecessors and offered her personal assurance and that of the UN country team to consolidate and further develop the already excellent partnership between Liberia and the United Nations.