FLY President Banica S. Elliott Advocates for Liberia’s Bid for Non-Permanent Seat at UN Security Council at UNGA - FrontPageAfrica
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New York – As the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) continues to gather world leaders for pivotal global discussions, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has made a historic mark. Represented by its first female president, Banica S. Elliott, the Federation joins the Liberian government in advocating for the nation’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Miss Elliott, who has been rebranding and redefining the national youth and student movements since her election in 2022, is now positioning the voice of Liberian youth on the world stage in support of this crucial cause.
With Liberia having endured 14 years of civil war, a time that decimated communities, institutions, and hope, Elliott’s presence at the UNGA is a powerful testament to the resilience and aspirations of the Liberian people, especially its youth. The scars of war are still evident in Liberia’s journey of rebuilding, making the nation’s bid for a seat on the Security Council both timely and symbolically important. A seat at the UNSC would not only serve as a platform to advance Liberia’s international diplomacy but also as a beacon of hope for post-conflict societies around the globe.
Miss Elliott’s advocacy reflects a new era in Liberian youth leadership. Her tenure has already brought about significant changes, transforming FLY into a dynamic force for youth empowerment, community service, and advocacy. Now, on the global stage, Elliott is engaging with powerful youth leaders from around the world, sharing Liberia’s story of perseverance and calling for support for Liberia’s candidacy. By forging strategic partnerships and amplifying the voice of Liberian youth, she is making a compelling case for why Liberia deserves to be at the UNSC decision-making table.
“Liberia’s youth have lived through the horrors of war, and we are now standing as the agents of peace and development,” Elliott stated during her participation in high-level dialogues with global youth influencers. “A seat on the Security Council will allow Liberia to contribute meaningfully to global peace efforts while also sharing the lessons we’ve learned from our own struggles. This is an opportunity for the world to see the power of youth-driven leadership and transformation.”
The Federation of Liberian Youth, established by law to serve as the umbrella youth organization in Liberia, has been pivotal in shaping youth policy, advocacy, and engagement in the nation. Since its creation, FLY has played a central role in mobilizing young people for nation-building, promoting education, and fostering leadership. Elliott’s leadership builds on this foundation, driving forward a new vision for the role of youth in national and international policy spaces.
Her participation at the 2024 UNGA also marks a significant moment in FLY’s history, as it is the first time a female president of the organization has represented the collective voice of Liberia’s youth on such a prominent global platform. This representation is not only a victory for gender equality but also underscores the importance of youth in Liberia’s democratic processes and international diplomacy.
Miss Elliott’s influence at the UNGA has been marked by her active networking with key global youth leaders and policy makers, seeking strategic alliances to strengthen Liberia’s position. Her engagement goes beyond just the bid for the UNSC seat—she has been advocating for youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and global solidarity among nations. As she joins forces with the Liberian government’s delegation, Elliott is ensuring that Liberia’s youth are not merely spectators but active participants in shaping their nation’s future on the global stage.
As the General Assembly progresses, all eyes will be on Liberia’s potential to secure the coveted seat on the UN Security Council. With the advocacy of a young, dynamic leader like Banica S. Elliott, Liberia’s message is clear: the future of global peace and security is not only shaped by the actions of seasoned diplomats, but also by the vision and resilience of the world’s youth.
Liberia’s journey, marked by the horrors of civil conflict and now its remarkable steps towards peace and development, mirrors the global challenges of war, peacekeeping, and post-conflict recovery. By supporting Liberia’s bid, the international community would be endorsing the power of resilience and youth leadership in overcoming adversity.
For Banica S. Elliott and the Federation of Liberian Youth, this moment at the 2024 UNGA is more than a diplomatic mission. It is the dawn of a new narrative for Liberia’s youth—a narrative that speaks to leadership, transformation, and global influence. With her continued advocacy and engagement, the world is witnessing the rise of a youth-driven Liberia, poised to contribute to global peace and security for years to come.