A DIPLOMATIC TRAILBLAZER

As Liberia marks its 178th year of independence, a renewed sense of hope, pride, and national purpose fills the air. Among the champions of Liberia’s progress stands a man whose diplomatic brilliance and unrelenting service to the nation reflect the very soul of our Republic - Ambassador B. Elias Shoniyin.

With over 25 years of impactful leadership across public service, international diplomacy, and strategic development, Ambassador Shoniyin has emerged as a symbol of Liberia’s strength, sovereignty, and global reawakening.

A seasoned diplomat, educator, and development strategist, he has helped shape Liberia’s foreign policy, reposition its global standing, and mentor a generation of young leaders for national transformation.

Diplomacy in Motion: A Career of Influence and Reform:

Ambassador Shoniyin’s career is a masterclass in excellence.

From his early days as Assistant Minister for International Cooperation & Economic Affairs, through to his tenure as Principal Deputy and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, he has championed diplomacy that is dynamic, strategic, and people-centered.

Under two successive Liberian administrations, he supervised Liberia’s diplomatic missions, engaged multilateral partners, and played a pivotal role in deepening bilateral relations to accelerate national development. As Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Cooperation, he harnessed the power of economic diplomacy, attracting investment and global goodwill at a time when Liberia needed it most.

During Liberia’s most vulnerable moment, the Ebola crisis of 2014–2016, Ambassador Shoniyin’s leadership helped secure international support and critical resources that enabled the nation’s swift recovery and institutional strengthening.

Current Roles, Continued Impact:

Today, Ambassador Shoniyin continues to serve with distinction as Senior Ambassador-At-Large and Chair of the Policy Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, advising the Liberian Government on foreign policy alignment in an increasingly complex global environment. His voice continues to guide the strategic positioning of Liberia on the international stage.

Simultaneously, he serves as Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy at Cuttington University, preparing Liberia’s future diplomats and policymakers, and as Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), a policy and leadership think tank shaping sustainable African solutions.

A Legacy of Giving Back:

True to his belief in inclusive progress, Ambassador Shoniyin founded the B. Elias Shoniyin Education and Empowerment Foundation, which has awarded over 85 scholarships to marginalized Liberian youth. His commitment to community empowerment, education, and equity continues to transform lives at the grassroots.

Global Honors, National Pride:

Ambassador Shoniyin’s accolades are as distinguished as his contributions. He holds Liberia’s prestigious Humane Order of African Redemption (Knight Commander) and has received international commendations such as:

• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters – Carver Christian University

• Resolutions of Honor – New York State Assembly, Senate & City Council

• Visionary Leader Award – iChange Nations

• Excellence in Leadership – Africa Caribbean Business Council (D.C.)

• Alpha Leadership Award – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

• Brother of the Year 2024 – International Association of Alpha Chapters (IAAC)

A proud Yale University World Fellow, Ambassador Shoniyin's influence transcends borders, reinforcing Liberia’s global credibility and values.

At 178, Liberia Looks to the Future and to Its Finest Sons:

As Liberia steps into the future, it does so anchored in the legacy of leaders like Ambassador B. Elias Shoniyin, whose life's work embodies patriotism, innovation, diplomacy, and service.

His story is not just that of one man but of a country rising, reconnecting with its purpose, and reimagining its place in the world.

Indeed, as we celebrate Liberia at 178, Ambassador Shoniyin is the face of our diplomatic excellence, a testament to what true leadership means in service to the nation and humanity.