The Fourth Committee, one of six main committees of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday October 4, commenced its work for the 73rd Session of the UNGA with Liberia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to the United Nations elected as chairperson of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee of that world body.

Formally endorsed by the African Group of Ambassadors to the United Nations, His Excellency Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr, was formally elected unopposed by the entire membership of the General Assembly of the United Nations during the opening of the main session of the Fourth Committee, which is formally  referred to as the Special Political and Decolonization Committee.   

Ambassador Kemayah will lead the Committee in consideration of a broad range of global issues including decolonization, review of peacekeeping operations and special political missions, relief for Palestinian refugees, atomic radiation, assistance in mine action, as well as the peaceful uses of outer space.

The Liberian Diplomat was endorsed and subsequently elected following his presentation to the African Group of Ambassadors of the United Nations on why Liberia should be given the opportunity under his leadership to chair the committee.

According to a dispatch from Liberia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations,  Ambassador Kemayah who presented Liberia's case a day after he arrived in New York, spoke of the wealth of experience he brings to the post and thanked the Group for endorsing his candidacy in the spirit of African solidarity; while assuring that he would justify the confidence reposed in him by performing his duties diligently and objectively, guided by the principle of impartiality;  bringing proud to Liberia and the African Continent.

In his presentation, Ambassador Kemayah recounted the many contributions of the Republic of Liberia toward the political independence of many countries in Africa. Ambassador Kemayah used the occasion to renew the commitment of His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, the government and people of Liberia toward the growth and development of Africa.

The Chairmanship of the Fourth Committee is the first major task for Ambassador Kemayah since assuming his duties at the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations three weeks ago.

It can be recalled that Liberia last chaired the Fourth Committee fifty-seven years ago, when Ambassador and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, the late Angie Brooks Randolph, presided over the 1961 Session of the Committee.