The Mano River Union Youth Parliament Liberia Chapter (MRUYP-LC) has embarked on a nationwide youth mapping exercise to bolster youth advocacy and peacebuilding networks across Liberia. This comprehensive initiative aims to create an updated database of youth organizations, facilitating enhanced collaboration and engagement in peacebuilding, advocacy, and civic initiatives. By identifying and connecting youth-led groups, the MRUYP-LC seeks to empower young people and amplify their collective voice in national development processes. This mapping exercise is viewed as a critical step towards strengthening the capacity of Liberian youth to contribute meaningfully to peace, security, and sustainable development within the country.
Scheduled to run from May 26 to June 9, 2025, the mapping exercise invites youth organizations to participate in a competitive vetting process. This process will ensure the accuracy and reliability of the collected data, forming a robust foundation for future collaborations. The verified data will also serve as a basis for the selection of youth parliamentarians in upcoming elections, ensuring that the elected representatives genuinely represent the diverse youth landscape within Liberia. This meticulous approach underscores the MRUYP-LC’s commitment to building a representative and effective youth parliament.
The mapping exercise is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of youth involvement in various sectors. By identifying existing initiatives, gaps in services, and areas needing support, the MRUYP-LC can more effectively coordinate its efforts and provide targeted assistance to organizations working towards peace, justice, and community development. This strategic approach aims to maximize the impact of youth-led initiatives and create a more cohesive and impactful youth sector within Liberia.
In addition to the mapping exercise, the MRUYP-LC has publicly endorsed Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The organization believes that Liberia’s unique post-conflict experience and unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability make it an ideal candidate to contribute to global peace and security discussions. The MRUYP-LC contends that Liberia’s resilience and deep understanding of peacebuilding complexities would bring a valuable perspective to the Security Council.
The endorsement by the MRUYP-LC reflects the broader support Liberia’s bid has garnered from youth parliaments across Africa. This widespread endorsement strengthens Liberia’s position and underscores the importance of youth perspectives in international peace and security discussions. The MRUYP-LC believes Liberia’s inclusion on the Security Council would amplify the voice of youth in advocating for preventive diplomacy and inclusive peace processes, crucial elements in conflict resolution globally.
This dual focus on internal capacity building through the youth mapping exercise and external advocacy through endorsing Liberia’s UN Security Council bid demonstrates the MRUYP-LC’s comprehensive approach to youth empowerment and peacebuilding. By strengthening internal networks and advocating for greater representation on the global stage, the MRUYP-LC aims to ensure that Liberian youth play a central role in shaping their nation’s future and contributing to global peace and security. This multifaceted approach highlights the organization’s commitment to empowering youth and promoting lasting peace within Liberia and beyond.
