Liberia Inaugurates Landmark Situation Room at FAO Headquarters, Reinforcing Commitment to Global Agricultural Engagement

Rome, Italy – July 1, 2025 – The Government of Liberia and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have officially inaugurated the Liberia Situation Room, a state-of-the-art facility located at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The unveiling took place on the sidelines of the 44th Session of the FAO Conference, which runs from June 28 to July 4, 2025. The conference—FAO’s highest governing body—meets every two years to set strategic priorities and approve the Programme of Work and Budget, with this year’s focus on the 2026–2027 cycle.
Leading the Liberian delegation was Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, accompanied by Hon. Antoinette F. Dukuly, Deputy Minister for Administration, and Ms. Theresa Peters, Charge d'Affaires of the Liberian Embassy in Rome, Italy. Their presence underscored Liberia’s growing commitment to international agricultural engagement and institutional visibility.
The Liberia Situation Room was formally launched by FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu, who applauded Liberia’s renewed physical and strategic presence at FAO after more than four decades.
“The President of Liberia came here in 1981 as Minister of Agriculture. Now, as President, he realized that Liberia had no physical presence at FAO Headquarters after 44 years,” said Director-General Qu. “I should congratulate Liberia—you made a good choice. I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation to the Government of Liberia for the generous contribution toward establishing the Liberia Situation Room.”
Dr. Qu also praised Agriculture Minister Dr. Nuetah for his visionary leadership, technical expertise, and global outlook, highlighting his academic background in China and fluency in Mandarin as key assets in advancing South-South cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
Reflecting on Liberia’s economic strength in the 1970s, Dr. Qu expressed optimism about the country's future: “In 20 years, Liberia can do better than China, if the right investments are made,” he affirmed.
The Liberia Situation Room will serve as a permanent coordination hub between Liberia and FAO, enabling real-time engagement, technical collaboration, and strategic support. It will enhance Liberia’s ability to monitor agricultural trends, address food insecurity, respond to crises, and align national priorities with global frameworks.
Describing the launch as a “milestone achievement,” Minister Nuetah revealed that the initiative was the result of a presidential directive issued in October 2024:
“When the President returned to FAO in 2024—over 40 years after his first visit—he walked the halls and said, ‘I do not see Liberia’s presence here,’” Dr. Nuetah recalled. “As a founding signatory to the UN Charter, the President believed Liberia should be visible and engaged at all levels of the UN system.”

“Today, I am proud to report that this mandate has become a reality. I thank you, Honorable Director-General, for helping us make this dream come true. I also want to thank the FAO team who walked with us every step of the way.”
Minister Nuetah also highlighted President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s long-standing and personal connection to the agricultural sector. As a former Minister of Agriculture, the President sees agriculture as Liberia’s most powerful tool for sustainable development.
“Agriculture is not just part of the President’s past—it is his top priority,” he emphasized. “He wants to transform agriculture into the engine that lifts Liberians out of poverty, food insecurity, and low income. We count on FAO’s continued technical support to help make that vision a reality.”
Minister Nuetah also recognized Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, former FAO Representative to Liberia, for her instrumental role in advancing national agricultural programs. He conveyed President Boakai’s appreciation for her leadership and requested that his gratitude be extended to the broader FAO team.
Initially proposed in late 2024, the Liberia Situation Room not only reestablishes a national footprint at FAO Headquarters but also represents a new chapter of engagement, centered on innovation, data-driven policymaking, and strategic partnerships.
As Liberia looks ahead, the Ministry of Agriculture is advocating for an expanded FAO presence in-country to deepen technical support and accelerate the implementation of key national priorities. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of Liberia’s development, food security, and shared prosperity.