The Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Office of the Vice President, has launched its National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS), marking a milestone in advancing inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
The ceremony, held at the Ministerial Complex, Congo Town, brought together government officials, international partners, civil society actors, and youth organizations in a united call to action.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah described the NAP as “a statement of our collective belief in the power, potential, and promise of Liberia’s youth”. She stated that youth inclusion is not only a matter of equity but also a foundation for peace, security, and national progress.
Anchored in UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and its follow-up resolutions 2419 and 2535, Liberia’s NAP is organized around five core pillars: participation—ensuring meaningful youth engagement in decision-making; prevention—addressing the root causes of violence and conflict; protection—safeguarding the rights and dignity of young people; partnerships—strengthening collaboration among government, civil society, and international actors; and disengagement and reintegration—supporting young people transitioning from conflict into productive roles in society.
Dr. Jallah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ARREST Agenda under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., emphasizing that the success of the NAP will depend on coordinated action across all sectors.
International and national partners, including the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the Embassy of Sweden, and senior representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, welcomed the NAP as a landmark achievement, and pledged continued support for its implementation.
Meanwhile, she said, the Government of Liberia is calling on all stakeholders—youth groups, communities, civil society, government institutions, and development partners—to join hands in translating this plan into concrete actions that will strengthen peace, deepen inclusion, and unlock the full potential of Liberia’s youth.
Also speaking at the launch, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG), UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Barrie Freeman, said the National Action Plan marks a significant step for Liberia in advancing the Youth, Peace and Security agenda across the country.
Freeman said to participate in the launch of Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security is to forester the peace in Liberia. According to her, this marks not only a national milestone but it sends a powerful global signal of Liberia’s commitment to peace, inclusion, and the viable role of youth in shaping a resilient and prosperous future.
