PRESIDENT BOAKAI RAPS GRADUATES OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE; Charges Them to Represent Liberia with Integrity, Wisdom, and Distinction

Executive Mansion, Monrovia - President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today, November 12, 2025, delivered the keynote address at the 71st Graduation Ceremony of the Gabriel L. 
Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town.

The ceremony marked a historic milestone as the Institute graduated 120 students—the largest class in its 74-year history—representing participants from the Regular Academic Program, the Madam Suakoko Graduate Program for Female Diplomats, and the Refresher and Orientation Program for elected and appointed officials.

President Boakai commended the Institute’s continued legacy of excellence and its transformation into a center of diplomatic distinction. He praised the FSI for rebranding and modernizing its curriculum to meet international standards, particularly at a time when Liberia is preparing to assume a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“The Institute does not merely train—it transforms,” the President emphasized. “It equips its graduates not only to represent Liberia but to serve as architects of our expanding global influence.”

The Liberian Leader lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director General, faculty, and administration of the FSI for fostering partnerships with regional and global institutions such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Foreign Service Academy of Sierra Leone, the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Egypt. He said these collaborations are key to ensuring that Liberia’s diplomats are globally competitive and prepared to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.

Addressing the graduates, President Boakai charged them to uphold four core pillars as they embark on their professional journey:

1. Be Advocates for Liberia’s Prosperity – promoting economic diplomacy and attracting responsible investment.

2. Be Architects of Peace and Regional Stability – sustaining Liberia’s role as a credible partner for peace and integration in the MRU, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
3. Be Good Examples of Integrity and Service – upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

4. Be Champions of the ARREST Agenda – advancing the national development framework aimed at transforming Liberia’s economy and governance.

The President reminded the graduates of their duty to represent Liberia’s interests and values with “integrity, wisdom, and distinction,” urging them to be results-driven diplomats who not only attend formal events but also bring tangible benefits to the Liberian people.

Quoting the renowned Pan-Africanist Edward Wilmot Blyden, President Boakai stated, “A nation is not necessarily great because it is independent… The size of a country does not determine its greatness, but the character of its people.”

He concluded by encouraging the graduates to embody that character—representing the “new Liberia” marked by resilience, peace, and progressive ambition.

“Be bold in your ideas, but wise in your counsel. Be proud ambassadors of the new Liberia—a Liberia of resilience, peace, and progressive ambition,” the President declared.

The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries including Hon. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Former Vice President of Liberia; Members of the Legislature and Judiciary; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cabinet Members; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; and other distinguished personalities.