By G. Watson Richards
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), has announced Liberia’s appointment to the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, marking a significant advancement in the country’s international engagement on global tax issues.
A release issued by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, is quoted as saying Mr. Darlingston Y. Talery, a seasoned tax policy expert and former Commissioner for Domestic Tax at the LRA, will represent Liberia on the 25-member committee.
Talery currently serves as Head of the Department of Domestic Resource Mobilization at the ECOWAS Commission.
The release, amongst other things stated that members of the UN tax committee are appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General for four-year terms.
Talery’s tenure will run through June 30, 2029, following his selection from a competitive pool of 58 global nominations.
“The inclusion of Liberia in this globally significant committee sends a clear message about the capacity, credibility, and growing influence of Liberia’s public institutions,” said H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. “This appointment not only recognizes the professional excellence of Mr. Talery but also positions Liberia as an active contributor to the global conversation on fair and inclusive tax systems.”
The UN Committee, established under ECOSOC Resolution 2004/69 and reinforced by the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, plays a central role in shaping international tax standards, promoting transparency, and combating illicit financial flows.
Liberia’s participation is expected to elevate African perspectives, especially from fragile and post-conflict states, in global tax discourse.
Commissioner General of the LRA, James Dorbor Jallah, described the appointment as a proud milestone for the institution and the nation.
“Mr. Talery’s appointment is a proud moment for our institution. It is the result of years of investment in capacity-building and policy innovation,” Jallah said. “Liberia is ready to contribute meaningfully to international tax cooperation and bring home the benefits of fair global tax practices.”
With this appointment, Liberia joins a diverse group of nations represented on the Committee, including Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, France, India, China, Belgium, Brazil, and Australia.
According to both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the LRA, Liberia’s inclusion aligns with the government’s broader objective of increasing national representation in international institutions and reinforcing the country’s commitment to building equitable global financial systems.
