United States Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to Conduct Digital Press Briefing on Recent West Africa Visit and UN Security Council Resolution 2719

January 29, 2024 – On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, United States Ambassador to the United Nations (USUN) Linda Thomas-Greenfield will hold a digital press briefing, marking her return from a diplomatic mission to Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The briefing will also delve into the implications of the recently passed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719, specifically focusing on its impact on financing African Union-led support operations and peacekeeping missions across the African continent.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 23, 2021, has been a prominent figure in U.S. foreign affairs. A career diplomat, she retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2017 after a distinguished 35-year career. Following her retirement, she led the Africa Practice at Albright Stonebridge Group and served as the inaugural Distinguished Resident Fellow in African Studies at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.

During the briefing, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will provide insights into her trip to West Africa, emphasizing the diplomatic and strategic objectives achieved during her visit to Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Additionally, she will share her perspectives on Resolution 2719, highlighting its significance in shaping the future of peacekeeping efforts in Africa.

The digital press briefing is open to members of the media, and participants can submit questions following Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks. The event will be on the record, and login information will be provided upon RSVP. Interested media representatives are requested to RSVP using the follwing link, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-press-briefing-with-usun-ambassador-on-peacekeeping-in-africa-tickets-811390158807?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery .

For those unable to attend the briefing, real-time updates and discussions can be followed on Twitter using the hashtag #AFHubPress. The official Twitter handle for the event is @AfricaMediaHub.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s extensive career in the U.S. Foreign Service includes notable roles such as Ambassador to Liberia (2008-2012) and various postings in Switzerland, Pakistan, Kenya, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Jamaica. In Washington, she served in key positions such as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of African Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

Her achievements have been recognized through several awards, including the 2017 University of Minnesota Hubert Humphrey Public Leadership Award, the 2015 Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award, and the 2000 Warren Christopher Award for Outstanding Achievement in Global Affairs.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, where she also pursued doctoral studies. She received honorary degrees from the University of Wisconsin in May 2018 and the University of Liberia in May 2012.

The press briefing promises to offer valuable insights into the diplomatic efforts and strategic considerations shaping U.S. foreign policy in West Africa and the broader African continent.