Liberia Begins Preparations for 180th Independence Anniversary as Ambassador Yorlay Launches Paris Implementation Plan - FrontPageAfrica

10 Nov 2026, 05:02 · FrontPageAfrica

Liberia Begins Preparations for 180th Independence Anniversary as Ambassador Yorlay Launches Paris Implementation Plan

Three-day celebration planned for July 2027, with a Liberia-France investment forum, cultural gala and international sporting event expected to bring Liberians and partners across Europe together

PARIS, France — Liberia has begun preparations for its 180th Independence Anniversary in 2027, following the official launch of an implementation document by Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay Sr., establishing a framework for a series of commemorative activities in Paris.

The document was unveiled on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Embassy of Liberia in Paris, setting the organizational and strategic framework for a proposed three-day celebration scheduled for July 23–25, 2027, under the theme, “The Oak-Centennial: 180 Years of Nationhood.”

The initiative is intended to transform the historic anniversary into a platform for national unity, cultural diplomacy, international visibility, investment promotion and sustainable development.

Beyond commemorating Liberia’s 180 years of independence, the organizers say the celebration will seek to strengthen engagement with the Liberian diaspora and deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, particularly between Liberia and France.

A major component of the proposed activities is a Liberia-France Business and Investment Forum scheduled for July 9, 2027. The forum is expected to bring together business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and development partners from both countries to explore trade opportunities, investment prospects and economic partnerships.

The forum is also expected to showcase Liberia’s economic potential, promote tourism and encourage greater private-sector participation, with the aim of translating diplomatic relations into practical economic opportunities.

The three-day anniversary programme will additionally feature a grand cultural gala and an international sporting event to showcase Liberia’s cultural heritage, national identity and sporting talent.

Organizers anticipate participation from Liberians residing in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Cyprus and other European countries.

The involvement of the Embassy of Liberia in Paris and Liberia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO is also expected to strengthen the cultural diplomacy and international cooperation components of the celebration.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the Federation of Liberian Associations in France (FLAF) and the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA), in partnership with the Embassy of Liberia in Paris and Liberia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.

At the launch, the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Emmanuel Saye Larmeh, delivered the opening remarks, while FLAF President William Wesseh Broh presented the implementation document, outlining the proposed activities, organizational arrangements and execution framework.

Madam Inez Pennue, Peace Ambassador and representative of FLAF, delivered the vote of thanks.

Beyond the anniversary preparations, Ambassador Yorlay used the engagement with members of the Liberian diaspora to highlight Liberia’s forthcoming Presidency of the United Nations Security Council in December 2026, calling for national and diaspora support as the country prepares to assume the international responsibility.

He outlined five strategic priorities that will guide Liberia’s engagement during its Security Council Presidency.

These include Women, Peace and Security, with emphasis on advancing women’s participation and leadership in conflict prevention and peacebuilding; and Youth, Peace and Security, which seeks to strengthen young people’s involvement in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustainable development.

Other priorities include addressing the links between climate change, natural-resource governance, conflict and international security; strengthening regional and subregional cooperation in responding to security challenges; and advocating reforms of the United Nations Security Council while improving the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.

Ambassador Yorlay said Liberia’s leadership at the Security Council presents an opportunity to amplify the country’s voice on global peace and security issues, reinforce its commitment to multilateralism and demonstrate its contribution to international cooperation.

He also encouraged Liberians abroad to remain actively engaged in promoting the country’s national interests and international standing.

As Liberia approaches its 180th Independence Anniversary, the Paris initiative is expected to connect the country’s historical achievements with its contemporary development aspirations.

Organizers say the success of the celebration will not be measured solely by the scale of the commemorative events, but also by the partnerships established, investment opportunities generated, diaspora networks strengthened and lasting contributions made to Liberia’s development.

The Embassy of Liberia in Paris reaffirmed its commitment to working with FLAF, EFLA, UNESCO partners, the Liberian diaspora and other national and international stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and memorable celebration worthy of Liberia’s 180 years of nationhood.

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Liberia Begins Preparations for 180th Independence Anniversary as Ambassador Yorlay Launches Paris Implementation Plan - FrontPageAfrica