By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is encouraging the United Nations and our international partners to focus more on addressing the root causes of Liberia’s developmental challenges, rather than just the consequences such as peacebuilding interventions.
The Liberian leader said a better foundation of peace can be sustained when the economy of Liberia is built to create jobs, provide income and deliver service to the people.
President Boakai made these remarks on Thursday April 17, 2025 when he delivered the keynote address at the Government of Liberia and Development Partners’ Retreat held at the EJS Ministerial Complex Oldest Congo Town.
The President committed his government to working with the Banking sector to provide accessible financing and foster entrepreneurship; the private sector partners, to invest in areas aligned with the AAID Pillars, to create jonds and promote economic growth.
He also committed to working with the Civil Society to act as both collaborators and watchdogs in ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and accountability; and our International Development Partners to facilitate resource mobilization including working with us to determine appropriate financing mechanisms for the AAID, and finally with the Liberian People to provide opportunity to actively participate in the development process and hold the government accountable.
“We are committed to working with the Banking sector to provide accessible financing and foster entrepreneurship; the Private Sector Partners; to invest in areas aligned with the AAID pillars, to create jobs and promote economic growth; Civil Society to act as both collaborators and watchdogs in ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and accountability; and our International Development Partners to facilitate resource mobilization including working with us to determine appropriate financing mechanisms for the AAID, and finally with the Liberian People to provide opportunity to actively participate in the development process and hold the government accountable.”
He said Liberia and partners can discover creative financing strategies and mobilize local resources in the midst of funding challenges and strengthen institutions for effective delivery.
“By sharing a common vision and fostering a collaborative spirit, we can realize the ultimate goal of the ARREST Agenda inclusive growth and development. To the United Nations and the rest of our development partners, we thank you for contributions and joining us to undertake this important venture.” President Boakai said.
Boakai Points Out Liberia’s Challenges
President Joseph Boakai been cognizant of the challenges confronting Liberia called on the international partners to join Liberia in exploring strategic means amid slash in donor funding and other international development resources.
“As I speak, we confront several challenges. Many children remain out of school, facing an uncertain future. Some of our youths – the potentially productive cohort – are either unemployed or entangled in a drag net of drug abuse.” He said.
The President said with women and girls disproportionately affected by Liberia’s economic and social challenges, the urgency for intervention could not be more apparent.
He said these realities highlight not only the capacity issues within institutions but also the pressing necessity for transformative change- a change that will provide economic relief, including generating employment opportunities for our people, particularly the youth, women, and individuals with disabilities.
“All these have been compounded by the uncertainties of the unfolding global funding landscape. We must now rethink and retool and ensure we develop the capacity to address and overcome the national and global barriers that threaten us as people and country.” The President mentioned.
According to the President by fostering mutual objectives, respect and shared responsibility, Liberia and its partners can turn the country’s development goals into real, tangible outcomes.
