By Precious D. Freeman
Representatives of youth organizations in Liberia, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, concluded a two-day National Youth Dialogue on October 18.
This event aimed to craft a comprehensive national youth strategy focused on Youth Peace and Security.
The consultation, held from October 17-18 in Monrovia, marked the beginning of a series of dialogues intended to develop a National Action Plan as part of the “Enhancing National Youth, Peace and Security Capacities in West Africa” project.
This initiative, spearheaded by UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Internal Affairs, also involves partners from Benin and support from the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).
The primary objective of the project is to elevate awareness of the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda while establishing a multi-stakeholder platform.
This platform is designed to coordinate national efforts and promote youth involvement in peace and security matters, ensuring that all voices, regardless of background, are heard.
During the dialogue, UNFPA Representative Bidisha Pillai, emphasized the importance of youth-led discussions.
“This dialogue has provided a vital space for young people to express their aspirations, concerns, and proposed solutions to challenges they face, including issues related to employment, education, governance, and peacebuilding”, she stated.
The insights gathered will directly contribute to a National Youth Strategy that genuinely reflects the needs and contributions of Liberia’s youth.
Pillai urged the Liberian Government to integrate the dialogue’s insights into a coherent strategy. “We must ensure that their voices and aspirations are fully documented and that the strategy is developed with the youth’s input and implemented through their active participation,” she remarked.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Jeror Cole Bangalu stressed the need to understand the barriers to youth participation and empowerment.
He highlighted that peace and security are foundational to development, urging young people to foster kindness and non-violence within their communities.
Abdullah O. Bility, Vice President for International Affairs of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), reiterated the importance of recognizing young people as active agents in peacebuilding, rather than passive beneficiaries.
The forthcoming National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security aims to create safe spaces for youth to voice concerns, set overarching goals, and prioritize strategies for enhancing youth involvement in peace and security efforts.
This initiative will serve as a framework for government, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive youth inclusion across all peace and security dimensions, from conflict prevention to peacebuilding.
This initiative aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which acknowledges the critical role of youth in conflict prevention and sustainable peace.
Despite the establishment of such frameworks, many young people remain marginalized in decision-making processes due to systemic barriers and inadequate engagement by key stakeholders.
The ongoing efforts in Liberia signal a commitment to empower youth as integral contributors to peace and security, reflecting a growing recognition of their potential to drive positive change within their communities.
