Liberia’s Voice at 178

As Liberia celebrates its 178th year of independence, the nation reflects not only on its historic past but also on the men and women who are actively shaping its future.

This year, that sacred responsibility of delivering the nation’s Independence Day Oration falls upon none other than Ambassador Emmett Lafayette Dunn, an international statesman, ordained minister, and one of Liberia’s most respected voices in philanthropy, diplomacy, and development.

Appointed by His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as Presidential Special Envoy for Partnership and Philanthropy, Ambassador Dunn embodies the nation’s renewed commitment to global cooperation, faith-based action, and inclusive national growth.

His selection as Liberia’s 178th Independence Orator is both symbolic and strategic-representing a vision for Liberia anchored in faith, grounded in partnership, and driven by hope.

A Missionary Diplomat for National Development:

Serving pro bono at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunn plays a critical role in mobilizing global partnerships, philanthropic investments, and diaspora resources to support Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Development. His portfolio touches on education, health, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation-all essential building blocks for a post-war nation looking to accelerate sustainable progress.

With a global reputation for forging relationships that matter, Ambassador Dunn stands at the nexus of faith-based mission and national policy-bridging the secular and spiritual with purpose:

The First of His Kind-Leading Lott Carey Across Continents

Ambassador Dunn is the first non-U.S.-born Executive Secretary and CEO of the historic Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, a global Christian mission rooted in African American Baptist heritage. Since assuming leadership in 2019, he has expanded the organization’s footprint to 14 countries, with multimillion-dollar programs in evangelism, humanitarian relief, empowerment, and advocacy.

His stewardship has proven that spiritual leadership, when aligned with development goals, can be a powerful force for global impact.

From Providence to the World:

Ordained at Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia in 1987, Dunn began his ministry in the very cradle of Liberia’s Christian tradition. His journey took him from Liberia to Maryland, USA, where he pastored, and then onto the global stage through the Baptist World Alliance, where he traveled to over 100 countries advancing youth leadership and mission development.

That experience now informs his work back home in Liberia, where he is cultivating a new generation of servant-leaders, grounded in faith, ethics, and action.

Civic, Religious, and Diaspora Leadership:

Ambassador Dunn is not just a religious leader - he is a nation-builder, actively contributing to policy and community development. His current and past roles include:

• Chairman, Empowerment Squared–Liberia & William R. Tolbert Jr. Foundation

• Chair, Presidential Committee on the Reburial of Presidents Tolbert and Doe

• Board Member, American Red Cross (Southern Maryland), Churches for Middle Eastern Peace, and others

• President, North American Baptist Fellowship

• Member, Global Council, Baptist World Alliance

• National Chair, Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference

He is also a Rotarian, civil society advocate, and a leader in numerous interfaith, educational, and philanthropic networks across Africa and North America.

Championing Liberia’s Renaissance

A native son who has never lost sight of his homeland, Ambassador Dunn is committed to Liberia’s education transformation, rural health access, and diaspora inclusion.

Through Empowerment Squared–Liberia, he is spearheading the construction of the Liberian Learning Center, a groundbreaking hub for digital literacy, academic support, and community engagement.

His work also includes programs supporting school infrastructure, nutrition, vaccinations, and scholarships for Liberia’s most vulnerable children.

An Orator of the Moment:

In a time of global complexity and national reflection, Ambassador Emmett L. Dunn stands as the right voice to echo Liberia’s aspirations. His Independence Day message is expected to challenge, inspire, and rally a new era of unity and service.

With deep spiritual roots, international gravitas, and a heart for Liberia, Ambassador Dunn does not just speak to the moment - he represents the moment.

Fast Facts on Liberia’s 178th Independence Orator:

Full Name: Ambassador Emmett Lafayette Dunn

• Current Roles: Presidential Special Envoy for Partnership and Philanthropy, Liberia

• Executive Secretary & CEO, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention

• Ordained Minister: Since 1987 (Providence Baptist Church, Liberia)

• Global Travel: Over 100 countries in mission, youth, and peace work

• Education:

• B.Th., Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary

• M.Div., Howard University

• Graduate Certificate, Virginia Theological Seminary

• Doctor of Divinity (Hon.), Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary

• Family: Married to Suan J. Dunn; three children – LeAnn, Emmett Jr., and Annette

“A new Liberia is possible—if we partner in purpose, give generously, lead ethically, and never lose sight of the common good.” – Ambassador Emmett L. Dunn, 178th Independence Orator