UNDP Liberia’s Resident Representative, Aliou Dia, has underscored the growing relevance of the Global South and the importance of South-South cooperation. 

Mr. Dia joined Liberia’s President, H.E. Joseph Boakai, as a guest lecturer at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of Liberia during the launch of its Ambassadorial Lecture Seminar Series. He highlighted the shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics shaping today’s world as a multipolar system characterized by climate emergencies, global pandemics, increasing inequality, and weakened multilateral institutions.

“This is a critical moment for the world. The convergence of crises from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and conflict makes it clear that solidarity, sustainability, and inclusive development are not just aspirational goals but urgent necessities,” Dia remarked. “

He lectured on “The Role of UNDP in the Emerging World Order.” He emphasized the transformative role that UNDP continues to play across 170 countries by advancing sustainable development, strengthening democratic governance, and fostering resilience against shocks. 

UNDP Liberia’s Resident Representative outlined UNDP’s six ‘signature solutions, ranging from poverty eradication and climate action to governance and digitization as key tools in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Drawing attention to Africa’s evolving place in the global arena, Mr. Dia praised Liberia’s commitment to inclusive development, reiterating UNDP’s ongoing support to the Government of Liberia through climate promise programs, strengthening local governance, and job creation initiatives.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Foreign Service Institute described the program as a platform for fostering critical thinking and global dialogue among Liberia’s future diplomats and leaders.

Mr. Reginald B. Goodridge Sr praised the organizers of the program. 

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the UNDP Resident Representative on topics ranging from global peacebuilding to digital transformation and the role of youth in development.

The Ambassadorial Lecture Seminar Series is an initiative of the Foreign Service Institute. It aims to promote international cooperation, thought leadership, and development diplomacy.

It brought diplomats, development experts, government officials, and students together to deep-dive into current global challenges and UNDP’s strategic response.