By Willie Bestman
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, September 28, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has called for a stronger, results-driven partnership between the Government of Liberia and Liberians living abroad, urging members of the Diaspora to move beyond discussion and take concrete action to support the country’s development.
Speaking at the Second Annual Diaspora Conference in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday, September 26, President Boakai emphasized the vital role of Liberians abroad in advancing national transformation. The conference was held under the theme, “From Dialogue to Delivery: Mobilizing the Global Liberian Diaspora for National Transformation.”
Describing the Liberian Diaspora as the country’s “16th County” and “Fifth Estate,” the President praised its contributions through professional expertise, investment, advocacy, international networks, skills, and knowledge transfer.
Boakai said his administration has taken steps to strengthen engagement with Liberians abroad, including expanding institutional support for the Office of Diaspora Affairs, backing the establishment of a Legislative Diaspora Caucus, and pursuing stronger legal and institutional frameworks to enhance Diaspora participation in national development.
He also underscored the importance of establishing a credible and regularly updated Diaspora information system capable of linking Liberian professionals overseas with national development needs, connecting potential investors to opportunities, and engaging younger generations with their homeland.
According to the President, effective Diaspora engagement must be built on a reciprocal partnership in which the government creates favorable conditions for Liberians abroad to invest, return home, transfer skills, and forge partnerships with communities and institutions across the country.
Boakai highlighted his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, the rule of law, and improving the business and investment climate.
The President also pointed to Liberia’s recent milestone of surpassing US$1 billion in domestic revenue, stressing that increased revenue generation should translate into improved public services, better infrastructure, job creation, and enhanced living standards for citizens.
Five pillars of priorities
To ensure conference discussions translate into tangible outcomes, Boakai outlined five key priorities, including strengthening coordination among Diaspora organizations, creating pathways for Liberian professionals abroad to contribute their expertise, converting Diaspora capital into productive investments, connecting young Liberians overseas with opportunities in Liberia, and establishing measurable timelines and clear responsibilities for implementing conference recommendations.
The President cited the longstanding Maryland-Liberia partnership as an example of how Diaspora engagement can support cooperation in trade, education, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, workforce development, and investment.
He also called on Liberians both at home and abroad to remain united despite political differences, stressing that constructive criticism and active participation are equally essential to national progress.
“Liberia needs a Diaspora that can debate vigorously and still work together; criticize constructively and still contribute; demand accountability and also accept responsibility,” Boakai said.
The President further encouraged Liberians abroad to support the country’s global engagement efforts as Liberia serves on the United Nations Security Council during the 2026-2027 term.
He said the Diaspora can help expand opportunities in investment, education, tourism, technology, knowledge transfer, and development cooperation.
“Diaspora diplomacy is not a substitute for the work of Government. It is a force multiplier for the work of the Republic,” he stated.
Boakai urged participants to ensure that the conference theme, “From Dialogue to Delivery,” becomes more than an annual slogan and instead serves as a benchmark for measuring progress and accountability.
“We have talked. We have listened. We have consulted. Now we must organize, invest, serve, connect, and deliver,” he declared.
Concluding his remarks, the President called on Liberians everywhere to transform patriotism into action through practical projects and measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
“In all that we do, let us always think Liberia, love Liberia, and together build Liberia,” Boakai said.
