Acting Foreign Minister Champions Youth and Women in Foreign Service | News

Liberia’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Ethel Davis has emphasized that the future of Liberian diplomacy is being shaped by the active participation of young people, particularly young women, and reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to investing in their capacity to lead.

Ambassador Davis made the remarks on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during the commemoration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with UN-Women under the theme, “Empowering Women in Diplomacy for Inclusive Leadership and Sustainable Peace.”

Addressing diplomats, government officials, development partners, students, and aspiring diplomats, Acting Minister Davis underscored the critical role women continue to play in advancing peace, governance, and international cooperation, while highlighting the importance of preparing a new generation of leaders to represent Liberia on the global stage.

“The future of Liberian diplomacy is shaped by the presence and participation of young people,” Ambassador Davis stated. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to investing in their capacity to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s engagement with the international community.”

She noted that the Government of Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting women’s leadership across all sectors, including foreign affairs, where women continue to make significant contributions to policy development, conflict resolution, and international negotiations.

According to the Acting Foreign Minister, the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen gender inclusion are guided by findings from its Gender Equality Assessment, which has provided a clear roadmap for institutional reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive diplomatic service.

“Our Gender Equality Assessment has given us a clear direction,” she said. “We are working to expand the Gender Desk into a fully functional Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, finalize our Human Resource Policy, and establish a Women in Diplomacy Network that will serve as a platform for mentorship, professional development, and support for the next generation of female diplomats.”

Ambassador Davis emphasized that these initiatives reflect the Ministry’s determination to build an enabling environment where women can thrive and assume leadership roles within Liberia’s foreign service and beyond.

She further noted that the celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy holds particular significance for Liberia, a nation whose history bears witness to the transformative power of women in advancing peace and national development.

“This occasion holds special meaning for Liberia,” she remarked. “Our nation’s history is a powerful testament to the transformative role women can play in shaping peace, governance, and international engagement.”

The Acting Minister paid tribute to Liberia’s trailblazing women leaders, including former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first democratically elected female President, whose leadership continues to inspire women across the continent and around the world.

“We celebrate the legacy of Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female President, and we honor Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee, along with the countless women whose courage and determination helped secure peace during one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history,” Ambassador Davis stated.

Also speaking at the event was Dr. Abul Hasnat Monjurul Kabir of UN Women, who reflected on global and regional progress in advancing women’s participation in diplomacy and international decision-making.

Dr. Kabir highlighted the growing recognition of women’s contributions to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and sustainable development, while stressing that more work remains to be done to ensure equal representation of women in diplomatic and leadership positions worldwide.

He commended Liberia for its efforts to promote gender equality and encourage greater participation of women in foreign affairs and governance, describing the country as an important example of women’s leadership and resilience.

A major highlight of the program was an interactive mentorship session featuring several distinguished current and former female diplomats who shared their experiences, challenges, and achievements with young women aspiring to careers in diplomacy and international relations.

Among those providing mentorship were former Minister of Foreign Affairs Marjon Kamara, Madam Medina Wesseh, Madam Esther Yango, and other accomplished women leaders who encouraged participants to pursue excellence, remain resilient, and actively contribute to Liberia’s development and international engagement.

The event concluded with renewed calls for stronger partnerships, increased investment in women’s leadership, and continued efforts to create opportunities for young women to excel in diplomacy and public service.

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy, observed annually on June 24, serves as a global platform to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women diplomats while advocating for greater gender equality and inclusion in diplomatic institutions worldwide.