Liberia’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and the transformative power of education, science, and culture took center stage at the 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris. Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Liberia’s Education Minister, articulated the nation’s dedication to global cooperation, highlighting the crucial role of UNESCO’s support, particularly under the Priority Africa initiative. Her address emphasized the need for concrete actions that translate rhetoric into tangible progress towards human dignity, community empowerment, and collective prosperity. Education, she argued, forms the bedrock of Liberia’s national development strategy, and the government’s commitment to its advancement is evident in ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing quality, accountability, and equitable access.
Dr. Jallah showcased several key initiatives undertaken by Liberia in the education sector. The deployment of solar-powered C3 Micro Cloud Systems in 156 public schools across all 15 counties signifies a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and expanding access to learning resources, especially in underserved rural areas. This initiative underscores Liberia’s commitment to leveraging technology for educational advancement. Furthermore, she acknowledged the positive impact of UNESCO’s CapED program, which has played a pivotal role in integrating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) data into Liberia’s Education Management Information System (EMIS). This integration empowers the government with essential tools for data-driven planning and informed decision-making, strengthening the TVET sector’s contribution to national development.
Beyond education, Liberia’s commitment to sustainable development extends to science and environmental management. With technical guidance from UNESCO, Liberia has adopted the Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) methodology to manage three major watersheds that provide vital resources to over 40% of the population. This proactive approach demonstrates Liberia’s dedication to climate resilience and sustainable water resource management. Furthermore, the establishment of Innovation Hubs at four regional universities, facilitated by UNESCO’s STEM education initiatives, reflects Liberia’s investment in nurturing scientific innovation and fostering technological advancement within the country.
Liberia’s rich cultural heritage also featured prominently in Dr. Jallah’s address. She celebrated Liberia’s active engagement in the MONDIACULT 2025 regional consultations, which play a vital role in shaping national cultural policies aligned with sustainable development goals. Preserving and promoting cultural heritage is seen as integral to national identity and development. Furthermore, she announced Liberia’s participation in the West Africa Conference on Information Integrity, highlighting the importance of responsible digital citizenship and cultural preservation in the face of evolving digital landscapes. This underscores Liberia’s recognition of the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
Dr. Jallah reiterated Liberia’s strong support for the Africa Group’s position within UNESCO, advocating for continued investment in the organization’s core mandates, digital transformation, teacher training, and the inclusion of African sites in future UNESCO Global Geoparks designations. This alignment with the Africa Group demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to pan-African cooperation and the advancement of shared priorities on the global stage. Her address conveyed a clear message of Liberia’s active engagement with UNESCO and its determination to leverage the organization’s resources and expertise to advance its national development agenda.
In summary, Dr. Jallah’s presentation at the 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Board painted a picture of a nation deeply committed to multilateralism, sustainable development, and the transformative potential of education, science, and culture. Liberia’s proactive initiatives in education, particularly the deployment of solar-powered learning systems and the integration of TVET data, highlight the country’s focus on leveraging technology and data for educational advancement. The adoption of the CRIDA methodology for watershed management and the establishment of Innovation Hubs demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to scientific innovation and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the emphasis on cultural preservation and responsible digital citizenship underscores the country’s recognition of the importance of cultural heritage in the digital age. Liberia’s alignment with the Africa Group’s position within UNESCO further reinforces its dedication to pan-African cooperation and the pursuit of shared development goals.
