By Precious D. Freeman
The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) country representative, Bidisha Pillai, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Liberia for over 20 years of peace during a recent workshop focused on enhancing national youth, peace, and security capacities.
The two-day workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with funding from UNFPA, kicked off yesterday in Monrovia with the aim to develop a national action plan on youth, peace, and security.
In her opening remarks, Pillai praised Liberia’s democratic progress and the pivotal role young people have played in this success story.
“Liberia’s democratic credentials have reached new heights, and young people represent 75% of the population under the age of 35. This demographic is an untapped wellspring for peace and development,” she stated.
She emphasized that meaningful engagement of youth is crucial for sustaining peace and fostering national development.
The workshop brought together youth representatives, civil society organizations, and various government ministries, including Youth and Sports, Internal Affairs, and Foreign Affairs, along with entities from the UN system, such as UN Women and the UN Development Program.
Pillai highlighted the importance of youth participation in peace and security processes, noting, “Only through meaningful engagement of young people will our efforts towards conflict prevention and peaceful conflict resolution be effective and sustainable.”
She encouraged further efforts to mainstream youth in all matters related to peace and security, particularly the involvement of young women in policy discussions.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Bangalu, echoed this sentiment, outlining the workshop’s objectives, which include establishing a safe space for young people to express their concerns and aspirations.
He noted the importance of understanding the obstacles that hinder youth participation in peace processes and the necessity of identifying best practices for empowerment.
“Peace and security are the foundations for development. No nation can achieve progress in the absence of these elements,” the Minister stated, urging all stakeholders to promote kindness and non-violence in their communities.
He emphasized that youths have a unique ability to mobilize communities and foster intercultural dialogue, which is vital for reducing tensions and preventing conflict.
The vice president for International Affairs at the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Abdullah O. Bility, highlighted the establishment of the Liberia Youth Peace and Security Coalition, formed during the first inception meeting on Youth Peace and Security in June.
He noted that the coalition, co-chaired by FLY and WANEP, aims to monitor and lead the development of a National Action Plan for Youth Peace and Security in Liberia.
Bility acknowledged the critical role of young people as active agents in peace building rather than mere beneficiaries.
“The National Action Plan on YPS must reflect the views and recommendations of marginalized youths, ensuring that their voices are heard in policy formulation and implementation,” he urged.
As the workshop progresses, participants are working collaboratively to gather input from various stakeholders, ensuring that the National Action Plan aligns with the aspirations and needs of Liberia’s youth.
The emphasis on youth engagement in peace processes marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Liberia.
The UNFPA continues to champion the involvement of young people in leadership roles, advocating for a rights-based, evidence-informed, and gender-inclusive approach to youth peace and security in Liberia.
