(UNESCO-PARIS, FRANCE-November 15, 2021) Education Minister Professor D. Ansu Sonii says Liberia's long standing membership with UNESCO and other international organizations shows testaments of the country's firm commitment to the principle of multilateralism and the protection and promoting of girls and women education.

Speaking at the 41^st Session of UNESCO General Conference and the 75^th Anniversary of UNESCO which runs from November 9^th -24^th, 2021 taking place in Paris, France, Professor Sonii emphasized the need for more attention to placed on education for all but with specific emphasis on education for girls and women.

“Nothing else does it better than Education in all of its forms, Culture in all of its glory, Science in all of its inventions, which taken together have a single purpose, to ensure peace and stability in the world. For these reasons all Nations, developed and developing, have taken to education as the principal prerequisite upon which development agendas are set”.

Minister Sonii said Liberia like many other countries have heard the call to action in accelerating the education processes of its citizens and residents, in particular Girls education, adding that as of 2021 the Government of Liberia has introduced special incentive to improve girls enrolment, retention and completion. In that regard, the Minister noted that the gaps at all levels between boys and girls have substantially narrowed.

Professor Sonii believes that by our collective efforts in addressing the underperformance of education systems in the developing world, we will be in a better position to overcome the evils of unemployment, poverty and inequality and undesirable migration. Additionally, Liberia supports the initiative of soccer in schools which we believe reconciles nations and sustain peace.

The Liberian Education Minister says Liberia requested that the Historic Providence Island, the site on which the first group of settlers of former slaves settled, which ultimately led to the founding of the Liberian state be declared a World Heritage Site. He said the historic Providence Island being the epicenter of the Liberia Story, founded with bravery in the midst of colonialism and land grabs all across Africa in that Century needs recognition as the Nation which championed most of the ambitions that led to the wave of independence for self- determination across the African continent in the 1900s.

The 75^th Anniversary of the UNESCO brought together over Some 28 heads of state and government gathered.

In his video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the role of UNESCO in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.

"At a time of great inequalities, environmental crisis, polarization and the global pandemic, UNESCO's role is more critical than ever to restore trust and solidarity, to ensure greater access to education for all, promote cultural diversity and steer technological progress for the greater good," the UN boss said.

The work carried out by UNESCO proves its importance in "a more networked, inclusive and effective multilateralism that delivers tangible benefits for people across the world," he said.

The newly-re-elected Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay said that the UN agency was established "based on a strong conviction ... that peace should be established upon the foundation of the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.

Madam Azoulay highlighted the role of UNESCO, noting it played as an "essential tool" during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monrovia, Liberia – The President of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has named the Embassy of America near Monrovia as a member of the Bicentennial Steering Committee.

Dr. Weah said the inclusion of the US Embassy is very essential owing to the historic and direct role America played in the establishment of the Liberian state nearly 200 years ago.

It can be recalled that the first ship of the American Colonization Society, the Elizabeth, departed the shores of New York on February 6, 1820, for West Africa, bringing some 86 settlers.

Subsequently, between 1821 and 1838, the American Colonization Society, funded by the US Government, developed the first settlement that came to be known as Liberia on January 7, 1822.

The Liberian Chief Executive named the US Embassy to the Steering Committee on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

The US Embassy shall work with the Government of Liberia in the planning, organizing and execution of a successful bicentennial celebration.

Monrovia, Liberia - The President of Liberia, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah has challenged leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to take seriously the issue of adherence to constitutional term limits to avoid political and security upheavals in the sub-region. 

President Weah asserted that if the manipulation of constitutional terms is sternly discouraged by ECOWAS, the region could be spared the agony of military coups.  

“While we are condemning these military coups, we must also muster the courage to look into what is triggering these unconstitutional takeovers. Could it be that we are not honoring our political commitments to respect the term limits of our various constitutions,” the Liberian Leader queried. 

Addressing the extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held virtually on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 to discuss the situation in neighboring Guinea and Mali, the President reminded his colleagues of Liberia’s zero-tolerance for military coups, recounting how Liberia is still reeling from such unconstitutional ascendency to power. 

President Weah said Liberia as a notable member of the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS aligns its position on Guinea and Mali to the position of these multilateral bodies that support ECOWAS’ Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.   

He however called for a more coordinated and all-embracing mediation strategy for Guinea saying the inclusion of all the major stakeholders is paramount so as not to repeat the missteps of Mali. 

President Weah then offered Liberia’s willingness to be a part of the ECOWAS Mediation Team for Guinea saying Liberia is well placed to be included given the socio-cultural relations and geographic proximity that both countries share. 

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has unequivocally reiterated its condemnation of the coup and will immediately dispatch a high-level mediation team to Conakry to examine the political, social, and humanitarian situations.  

ECOWAS also called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Conde and all others detained in relation to the military takeover. 

The Regional Bloc cautioned the Coup Leaders of the CNRD that they will be held individually and collectively responsible for the safety and well-being of President Conde and others who are also detained. 

Guinea has now been immediately suspended from the regional body and all its subsidiaries, pending the restoration of democratic rule to that West African Nation.

Dr. Weah was joined at the Extraordinary ECOWAS Summit by Ministers: Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah (Foreign Affairs), Nathaniel Farlo McGill (State for Presidential Affairs), Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. (Finance and Development Planning), Ledgerhood Julius Rennie (Information Culture and Tourism) and Mawine Diggs (Commerce and Industry).

Monrovia, Liberia - In the wake of an apparent Coup D'etat in neighboring Guinea, the President of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah has expressed deep concern about unfolding political development and called on all sides in the ongoing political situation to refrain from violence, uphold the rule of law and ensure calm.

The Liberian Leader made the call on Sunday, September 5, 2021 following reports of gunfire in the Guinean capital, Conakry.

President Weah is also calling for the immediate release of President Alpha Condé, who has reportedly been detained by soldiers staging a revolt against his rule.

The Liberian Chief Executive reiterated the Liberian government's support for the position of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and called on military leaders in Guinea to adhere to the tenets of civilian rule and democracy.

President Weah reminded all concerned of the need for peace and security, adding that violence and political instability in Guinea will have negative ramifications for the entire region.

Meanwhile, President Weah has scheduled a meeting of the National Security Council of Liberia for Monday, September 6, 2021, to discuss the evolving events in Guinea.