Liberia embarked on a significant journey to solidify its commitment to youth empowerment and peacebuilding through the validation and revision of its National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (NAP YPS). This two-day workshop, held in Kakata, Margibi County, from August 7-8, 2025, brought together a diverse group of national and international stakeholders, including government representatives, youth organizations, and international partners like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Swedish Embassy. The workshop focused on two key themes: “Setting the Vision and Strategic Priorities” and “Financing the Vision,” reflecting the crucial need to not only define the direction of the plan but also secure the resources for its effective implementation. This initiative aligns with the global Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, spearheaded by UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and its subsequent resolutions, which recognize the vital role of young people in fostering peace and development. The validation process represents a major step towards ensuring that Liberia’s youth are empowered to actively participate in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future for their nation.
The heart of Liberia’s revised NAP YPS lies in its five core pillars: Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnerships, and Disengagement and Reintegration. The “Participation” pillar emphasizes the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes related to peace and security, recognizing their unique perspectives and experiences. “Protection” focuses on safeguarding young people from violence, exploitation, and discrimination, acknowledging their vulnerability in conflict and post-conflict settings. “Prevention” highlights the importance of engaging youth in proactive measures to prevent conflict and build social cohesion. “Partnerships” underscores the necessity of collaboration between government, civil society, international organizations, and youth groups to effectively implement the plan. Finally, “Disengagement and Reintegration” addresses the specific needs of youth formerly associated with armed groups, supporting their successful reintegration into society.
The revised NAP YPS is poised to provide a comprehensive framework for youth engagement in peacebuilding processes within Liberia. It seeks to secure financial and technical support for youth-led initiatives, empowering them to drive positive change in their communities. The plan also aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination, fostering collaboration among government bodies, civil society organizations, and international partners to maximize impact. By aligning with global peace and development goals, the NAP YPS serves as a localized commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous world. The workshop concluded with a resounding call for continued partnership, funding, and youth leadership throughout the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation phases, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment to achieving the plan’s objectives.
Key stakeholders voiced their strong support for the NAP YPS and its potential to transform Liberia’s peacebuilding landscape. Calixte Hessou, UNFPA’s Adolescent and Youth Specialist, highlighted the significance of the plan, both globally and within Liberia. He emphasized the alignment of the NAP YPS with UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which acknowledges the vital role of youth not just as victims of conflict but as active agents of peace. Hessou underscored the demographic reality of Liberia, where nearly 75% of the population is under 35, emphasizing that the country’s stability and development hinge on empowering its young citizens.
Dwede Tarpeh, Gender and SRHR Lead from the Swedish Embassy, reinforced the importance of inclusive development and youth engagement in Liberia’s peacebuilding efforts. She stressed that the forum reflected a collective commitment to creating a peaceful and inclusive nation, recognizing that sustainable peace and progress are intrinsically linked to the active participation of young people. Deputy Minister for Youth Development, J. Bryant McGill, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the Liberian government’s dedication to placing youth at the center of peacebuilding initiatives. He emphasized that this was not merely fulfilling a global mandate but a national movement driven by the belief that youth are agents of change.
McGill commended the participatory approach adopted in developing the NAP YPS, which involved extensive consultations with young people across all political subdivisions of Liberia, beginning in June 2025. This inclusive process ensured that the plan was grounded in the real-life aspirations and challenges faced by Liberian youth. Abdullah O. Bility, Vice President for International Affairs of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), acknowledged the hard work and dedication that led to the validation stage. He expressed anticipation for the official launch and subsequent implementation of the NAP YPS, praising the youth-led consultative process. Bility reaffirmed FLY’s commitment to ensuring that the National Action Plan translates into tangible policies and programs that benefit Liberia’s young people.
The validation and revision of Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security represents a crucial step towards empowering young people to become active participants in building a more peaceful and prosperous future for their nation. The plan’s five pillars – Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnerships, and Disengagement and Reintegration – provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities related to youth and peacebuilding. The strong support voiced by key stakeholders, including government representatives, international partners, and youth organizations, reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries of peace but active drivers of change. The focus on securing financial and technical support for youth-led initiatives, coupled with the emphasis on inter-agency coordination, sets the stage for effective implementation and impactful outcomes. The NAP YPS serves as a powerful testament to Liberia’s dedication to empowering its youth and fostering a culture of peace and development.
