United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, has called for bold and coordinated action to transform the strong commitment of Liberians abroad into measurable development outcomes at home.

Speaking at the official kick-off of the Diaspora Annual Return, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dia urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps to implement the outcomes of the recent Liberia Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C.

“In Washington, we had four hours of deep conversations—on reconciliation, education, and investment,” Mr. Dia recalled. “What remains now is action. If we are not action-oriented, we will meet again next year in another city, repeating the same discussions. The time has come to move forward decisively.”

Mr. Dia reaffirmed UNDP’s partnership with the Government of Liberia in establishing the Diaspora Investment Fund, a key outcome of the Washington conference aimed at mobilizing diaspora capital toward national priorities.

“UNDP is working with the government and bringing in experts to help establish the Diaspora Investment Fund. This is not a UNDP project—it is Liberia’s project,” he emphasized. “Our goal is to ensure that by the next conference, concrete projects financed by this fund are already improving the lives of Liberians.”

He also highlighted growing international recognition of Liberia’s diaspora engagement model, noting that partners such as the European Union and other development agencies have expressed interest in learning from Liberia’s experience.

“The Washington conference has drawn global attention,” Mr. Dia said. “Our partners are looking at how Liberia’s innovative approach to diaspora engagement can inform broader discussions on migration, investment, and sustainable development.”

Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei, Acting Minister, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening diaspora engagement as a key pillar of Liberia’s foreign policy and development strategy.

He disclosed that remittances from Liberians abroad currently account for nearly 25% of Liberia’s GDP, underscoring the critical role of the diaspora in sustaining families, businesses, and communities across the country.

“Through our economic diplomacy agenda, we are working to channel this support into more productive investment,” Minister Nyei said. “Liberia’s engagement with its diaspora—through conferences in Ghana, Morocco, and soon Brussels and South Africa—is part of our effort to reconnect Liberians abroad with their homeland and rebuild trust for investment.”

Senator Francis Dopoh, Co-Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, announced the formation of a Liberia Diaspora Caucus in the Legislature, which will spearhead policy and legislative reforms to support diaspora investment and participation.

He revealed plans to draft a Diaspora Engagement Act, advocate for diaspora voting rights, and establish a Diaspora Commission to institutionalize ongoing engagement with Liberians abroad.

“Our focus is to ensure that Liberians in the diaspora are full partners in nation-building,” Senator Dopoh stated. “We will advance legislation that promotes diaspora investment, protects property rights, and encourages professional reintegration.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of Hon. Sam Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Madam Macdella Cooper, Senior Political Advisor to the President, reiterated that the government views the diaspora as an essential driver of national renewal and progress.

“It will take Liberians to build Liberia,” she said. “Our partners have done well, but the billion dollars in annual remittances can do even more when directed toward productive investments in agriculture, real estate, and tourism. The President is inspired by the diaspora’s renewed energy and commitment.”

Mr. Erasmus T. Williams, Chair of the Diaspora Steering Committee, outlined next steps including the creation of a Diaspora Investment Forum, Diaspora Bond, and Investment Bank of Liberia—all designed to channel diaspora resources into sustainable national development.

“We are moving from conversations to concrete investments,” Mr. Williams affirmed. “The Diaspora Annual Return provides the platform for this transformation, linking Liberians abroad directly with opportunities at home.”

The Diaspora Annual Return Initiative is a flagship effort of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implemented in collaboration with UNDP Liberia and key stakeholders. It aims to strengthen linkages between the diaspora and the homeland through policy dialogue, investment promotion, and cultural exchange.