Paragraph 1: Liberia’s Commitment to Youth in Peacebuilding
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia has reaffirmed its dedication to prioritizing the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, recognizing the pivotal role of young people in the nation’s peacebuilding and development trajectory. This commitment underscores the belief that youth-led peacebuilding initiatives are not merely supplementary but are fundamental to achieving and maintaining national stability. The Ministry views this not just as a domestic policy, but as a critical component of its international diplomatic efforts, highlighting the interconnectedness of internal peace and global security. This emphasis on youth engagement aligns with the broader national development strategy, recognizing the demographic reality that young people constitute a significant majority of Liberia’s population.
Paragraph 2: Aligning YPS with National Development and Global Diplomacy
The YPS agenda is deeply intertwined with President George Weah’s broader development vision, which prioritizes inclusive growth and positions young people as key drivers of Liberia’s transformation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has embraced this vision, recognizing the potential of youth to contribute meaningfully to national progress. By integrating the YPS agenda into its diplomatic efforts, Liberia aims to project its commitment to youth empowerment on the global stage, showcasing its innovative approach to peacebuilding and development. This synergistic approach emphasizes the importance of both domestic and international collaboration to achieve sustainable peace and security.
Paragraph 3: Collaborative Partnerships for Sustainable Peace
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the importance of collaborative partnerships among various stakeholders to effectively implement the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (NAP-YPS). This collaborative framework involves youth organizations, civil society groups, and international partners working together to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives, mobilize resources, and consolidate Liberia’s democratic gains. This multi-faceted approach aims to create a robust and sustainable peacebuilding ecosystem, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and expertise. By bringing together these different actors, the Ministry seeks to foster a more inclusive and impactful approach to achieving lasting peace.
Paragraph 4: Leveraging International Platforms to Champion YPS
Liberia’s election to the United Nations Security Council provides a strategic platform to advocate for the YPS agenda on the global stage. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes this opportunity to amplify the voices of young peacebuilders and promote the importance of youth engagement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts worldwide. By leveraging its position on the Security Council, Liberia can contribute to shaping international policy and practice related to youth, peace, and security, promoting its national model as a potential example for other countries. This international advocacy further reinforces Liberia’s commitment to youth empowerment and its recognition of their vital role in achieving global peace.
Paragraph 5: Empowering Youth as Agents of Peace
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in peacebuilding, calling upon young people to embrace their role as agents of change within their families, schools, and communities. This grassroots approach to peacebuilding recognizes that peace is not solely the responsibility of government institutions but is a collective effort requiring the active participation of all citizens, particularly young people. By emphasizing the power of individual actions, the Ministry aims to empower young people to take ownership of the peacebuilding process and contribute to creating a more peaceful and secure society.
Paragraph 6: National Engagement and Amplifying Youth Voices
The National Engagement Forum on YPS represents a critical step towards promoting inclusive dialogue and strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes related to peace and security . By bringing together youth leaders, civil society actors, and government representatives, the forum creates a space for open discussions on the challenges and opportunities related to sustaining peace, promoting security, and amplifying youth voices. This participatory approach underscores the importance of engaging young people in shaping the future of their country and ensuring that their perspectives are heard and considered in policy development and implementation. The forum serves as a valuable platform for building consensus, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the national commitment to the YPS agenda.
