The national campaign to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has ignited a fervent debate among citizens. Opinions are sharply divided: some argue that the resources and efforts devoted to this bid are unwarranted, while others contend that it is essential to do everything possible to secure the seat.
As an aspiring scholar of Diplomacy and International Relations, I aim to contribute to this national discourse by examining the potential benefits and challenges associated with this endeavor.
The Case for UNSC Membership: Insights from Senator Abraham Darius Dillon Montserrado County.
Senator Darius Dillon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, has been instrumental in explaining the generic benefits that a country can reap from a non-permanent membership on the UNSC.
He has clarified that while some inquiries into this subject are made in good faith, others are politically motivated attempts to downplay the potential gains.
Drawing from the UN bulletin, Senator Dillon highlights the following advantages:
1. Influence on Global Security: Non-permanent members play a crucial role in shaping decisions on international peace and security, influencing resolutions that can affect conflicts and humanitarian crises worldwide.
2. Diplomatic Engagement: Membership offers countries the opportunity to engage in high-level diplomacy, fostering relationships with other nations and enhancing their diplomatic standing.
3. Visibility and Recognition: Serving on the UNSC elevates a country’s international profile, demonstrating its commitment to global governance and international cooperation.
4. Policy Development: Non-permanent members contribute to critical discussions on global issues, helping to shape international norms and policies.
5. Access to Resources: Membership can facilitate access to UN resources and support for national priorities, including development and humanitarian assistance.
6. Platform for Advocacy: Countries can leverage their UNSC position to advocate for issues pertinent to their regions or interests, raising awareness and mobilizing international support.
Conversely, Mr. Martin K. N. Kollie has argued that President Boakai should prioritize domestic issues over pursuing a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.
He offers nine reasons highlighting Liberia’s historical involvement in international organizations and suggests that these past contributions do not necessitate current efforts for a U.N. Security Council seat. Instead, Kollie recommends that the government refocus its resources and attention on pressing domestic matters.
Beyond Generic Benefits: The Need for Strategic Preparation While Senator Dillon’s points are well-taken, it is crucial to recognize that these benefits are not automatic.
The UNSC indeed represents the most prestigious global platform for advocating peace and security, as well as for international diplomacy. However, realizing these benefits requires meticulous preparation, strategic planning, and the judicious deployment of national resources.
On the other hand, Liberia stands to gain significantly from a seat on the UNSC, provided that the government continues its open-minded and strategic approach.
The initial steps of involving prominent Liberians, such as former presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah and Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee, are commendable.
Their support can lend considerable weight to Liberia’s bid.This support is necessary because despite having the endorsements of both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), Liberia must still secure the consent of other heads of state and governments.
To qualify for the seat, the country needs 128 out of 193 member votes. This necessitates an extensive diplomatic campaign to garner support from a broad coalition of nations.
Furthermore, the government needs to take deliberate steps to reduce unnecessary domestic rhetoric that can exacerbate tensions and undermine social stability.
This involves fostering inclusive dialogue, promoting national unity, and addressing grievances, fighting corruption and malfeasance through effective and transparent mechanisms. By doing so, the government can create a more stable and cohesive society, which is essential for projecting a unified and strong presence on the international stage that is needed to attract more development partners and investors.
Building a Multidisciplinary Team It is inaccurate to assume that merely obtaining a seat on the UNSC will yield direct benefits for Liberia.
The government must form a multidisciplinary team comprising conservative and contemporary diplomats with exceptional negotiation skills, researchers, writers with diplomatic intonation, orators with skills in public diplomacy, experts with a better understanding of international peace and security, gender specialists, lawyers with international prowess, environmentalists, and experienced managers & administrators to lead the initiative.
This team will be instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of international diplomacy and ensuring that Liberia maximizes its potential benefits from UNSC membership.
In addition to forming a solid team for Liberia’s representation on the United Nations Security Council, the country must set a clear agenda to guide its engagements to avoid floating on the floor at the expense of national interest to delight great powers.
The agenda should encompass national, regional, and global priorities to ensure a comprehensive approach. The team must have a well-defined mandate that articulates not only the national and regional interests but also the specific objectives Liberia seeks to achieve on the international stage.
This mandate, for example, should include clear priorities such as promoting peace and security, advocating for sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation.
On the national level, the agenda should focus on strengthening governance, fostering economic growth, and improving social services to uplift the standard of living for all Liberians.
Regionally, for instance, Liberia should aim to collaborate not only with neighboring but also with other African countries to address common challenges, such as violent conflict, terrorism, cross-border security threats, economic integration, and environmental sustainability.
Globally, Liberia should leverage its position to contribute to major international discussions on climate change, human rights, and global health crises.
Liberia’s success on the United Nations Security Council hinges on a clear and comprehensive agenda, a robust team with a comprehensive mandate, and a domestic environment conducive to stability and social coherence. Through these efforts, Liberia can effectively represent its interests and contribute positively to global peace and security.
The Role of Diplomacy and International Relations Education. When the team for the mission is identified through scouting and a comprehensive mandate is developed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must establish a specialized training program.
This program aims to equip the team members with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their mandates effectively.
The training should focus on enhancing the team’s understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the context of the UNSC and its approaches to diplomacy and international relations.
A key component of this training initiative is to emphasize the significance of diplomacy and international relations in the team’s work. As aspiring diplomats and scholars in this field, it is crucial to grasp the complexities of global governance and recognize the strategic value of international platforms such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Studying successful case studies of other nations that have served as non-permanent members of the UNSC can provide valuable insights and strategies that Liberia can potentially adopt.
Moreover, educational institutions have a vital role to play in grooming the next generation of diplomats and policymakers who possess expertise in negotiation, conflict resolution, and international law.
Establishing a strong academic foundation is essential for cultivating a team that can adeptly represent Liberia on the international stage with competence and professionalism.
Through rigorous academic training and practical exercises, future diplomats can develop the necessary skills to navigate complex diplomatic challenges and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s diplomatic endeavors.
Historical Context and Future Implications: Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC is not just a contemporary issue but is rooted in a historical context of the nation’s commitment to international peace and security. Liberia was one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945 and has since played a role in various international peacekeeping missions.
This historical involvement underscores the country’s longstanding dedication to global governance and its potential to contribute meaningfully to the UNSC.Looking ahead, securing a non-permanent seat could have far-reaching implications for Liberia’s foreign policy and international relations.
It would provide an opportunity to address regional issues more effectively, advocate for sustainable development goals, and promote human rights.
Additionally, it could lead to enhanced economic opportunities through increased foreign investment and international partnerships.
Challenges and Considerations: While the potential benefits are significant, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges that come with pursuing a seat on the UNSC.
One of the primary concerns is the allocation of resources. The financial and human resources required for such an extensive diplomatic campaign are substantial.
Critics argue that these resources might be better spent on pressing domestic issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, even when Liberia secures the seat, there is no guarantee that it will be able to influence UNSC decisions significantly.
The five permanent members (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) wield veto power, which can limit the impact of non-permanent members.
Therefore, Liberia must be strategic in its alliances and diplomatic engagements to maximize its influence within the constraints of the Council’s power dynamics.
Another consideration is the potential for political backlash both domestically and internationally. Domestically, there may be skepticism and opposition from political factions that view the bid as an unnecessary expenditure or a distraction from national issues.
Internationally, Liberia must navigate the complex web of international relations, balancing its national interests with those of other member states and the broader global community. a‘9sStrategies for Success To overcome these challenges and ensure that Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC is successful and beneficial, several strategies should be employed:
1. Comprehensive Diplomatic Outreach: Beyond the endorsements of ECOWAS and AU, Liberia must engage in robust diplomatic outreach to secure votes from diverse countries. This includes bilateral meetings, participation in international forums, and leveraging existing diplomatic channels.
2. Building Coalitions: Forming coalitions with other countries that share similar interests can amplify Liberia’s voice within the UNSC. By aligning with nations that prioritize issues like peacekeeping, sustainable development, and human rights, Liberia can strengthen its position.
3. Public Diplomacy and Communication: Effective communication with the domestic population is essential to garner public support and address concerns. Transparent communication about the goals, costs, and expected benefits of the UNSC bid can help mitigate skepticism and build national consensus.
4. Capacity Building: Investing in the training and development of diplomats and international relations professionals will enhance Liberia’s ability to navigate the complexities of the UNSC. This includes specialized training in negotiation, conflict resolution, and international law.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the progress and outcomes of the UNSC bid will ensure accountability and allow for adjustments to be made as necessary. This can include regular reports to the public and stakeholders, as well as independent assessments of the bid’s impact.
The Broader Impact on Liberia’s Future; Securing a non-permanent seat on the UNSC could catalyze broader positive changes in Liberia. It presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s commitment to international peace and security, which can enhance its reputation and attract foreign investment.
Additionally, the experience gained from participating in the UNSC can strengthen Liberia’s diplomatic institutions and contribute to the professional development of its diplomats.
Moreover, the bid aligns with Liberia’s broader foreign policy objectives, including promoting regional stability, advocating for sustainable development, and enhancing its role in international organizations.
The visibility and recognition gained from serving on the UNSC can also empower Liberia to play a more active role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, violent conflict, terrorism, and human rights violations.
Conclusion: The pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is a significant and ambitious endeavor for Liberia. While the benefits of such a position are substantial, achieving them requires careful planning, strategic diplomacy, and the judicious use of resources.
By engaging in comprehensive diplomatic outreach, building coalitions, and investing in capacity building, Liberia can enhance its chances of success and ensure that its tenure on the UNSC yields meaningful benefits.
This campaign is not just about securing a seat at the table; it is about elevating Liberia’s role on the global stage and contributing to the collective efforts for international peace and security.
As the nation embarks on this journey, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strategic planning, ensuring that the pursuit of a UNSC seat ultimately serves the best interests of its people and the global community.
Written By: Robert Sammie
