Mr. President, Excellencies:
Today, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we remember one of history’s darkest chapters, and inspirational moments - an era that laid bare the brutality and inhumanity of war, but also the power and unending possibility of nations uniting to overcome threats to our collective security, peace and the foundational ideals of human dignity.
Though not a military powerhouse, and still not aspiring to be one, Liberia stood firmly in its commitment to a rules-based international order, and is still proud to do so today.
At a time when tyranny threatened peace and security, Liberia played a crucial role in supporting the Allied efforts. Those who sacrificed their lives and treasures then to oppose tyranny and instability must not waver in their opposition today.
Many may not recall, but Liberia’s strategic position was vital for operations in North Africa and Europe, with our ports, airfields, and territorial waters serving as refueling and logistics hubs for Allied ships and aircraft. The natural resources of our nation, particularly Liberian rubber, were indispensable in sustaining the machinery that eventually turned the tide of the war. And in a definitive statement of principles, Liberia declared war on the Axis Forces, not for conquest, but to uphold the values of peace, the commonality of our humanity, and the power of multilateral cooperation.
The end of that war marked a defining moment - one where the world recognized that global security could not rest on isolated national interests but rather on a continued commitment to multilateralism. Liberia has remained steadfast commitment in this belief, supporting forums such as the United Nations as a means of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than violence. It is through collective action, shared responsibility, and mutual respect that we will continue to safeguard peace and promote the progress of our shared humanity.
As we reflect on these lessons today, Liberia again joins all nations in reaffirming its unwavering dedication to diplomacy over destruction, to collaboration over conflict, and to a world where differences are settled not on battlefields but negotiating tables.
The legacy of the Second World War must continue to remind that the cost of war is too great and that peace is worth defending, knowing from our own painful experiences that the only cost that is higher than peace is the cost of war.
May this commemoration be a call for unity, justice, and for a world where human security is a shared commitment of all nations.
May the sacrifices of those who stood for freedom never be forgotten, and may their resolve continue to inspire us to build a future worthy of their legacy.
Thank you
