Liberian Youth Unite for Peace and Security
In a bold move to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security efforts in Liberia, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has concluded its first-ever Annual Youth Peace and Security Forum in Monrovia. The one-day event, supported by the Irish Embassy and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought together youth coordinators from rural parts of Liberia, past and current leaders, and partners to brainstorm ways to increase youth involvement in peace and security initiatives.
Speaking at the opening session, FLY’s Vice President for National Affairs, Jeremiah Wilson, emphasized the crucial role young people play in sustaining peace. "We need to focus on job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship to empower young people and allow them to contribute meaningfully to society in peace-building initiatives," he said.
Wilson also welcomed the government’s establishment of a Presidential youth committee and urged sustained efforts to involve youth in all areas of governance, particularly in peace and security efforts. He encouraged young people to work together to address the challenges they face and commit to creating a Liberia where every young person can play a role in peace and security efforts.
The forum also featured remarks from Emer Hughes, Deputy Head of Mission of Ireland and Development-LEAD in Liberia, who commended the young people of Liberia for their involvement in peace and security efforts. She highlighted Ireland’s own national action plan on peace and security and encouraged others to follow suit.
Charles Lawrence, Program Specialist, Policy and Partnership at UNFPA, stressed the importance of recognizing the critical role young people play in driving change and building sustainable peace. He praised the FLY for its inspiring forum, which sets the pace for more engagements among young people as key drivers of a sustained peace process in Liberia.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports for Youth Development, J. Bryant McGill, echoed the importance of peace, stating that it is the ultimate goal for sustainable development. He encouraged young people to be champions and ambassadors of peace and security-related activities for the betterment of the country.
The one-day forum was held at the European Union Delegation office in Mamba Point, Monrovia, and brought together youth coordinators from rural parts of Liberia, past and current leaders, and partners to brainstorm ways to increase youth involvement in peace and security initiatives.
As Liberia continues to navigate its path towards peace and development, the Federation of Liberian Youth’s Annual Youth Peace and Security Forum serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role young people play in shaping the country’s future.