-UNDP Urges Young Africans to Lead with Integrity, Accountability, and Purpose
MONROVIA, Liberia – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for the emergence of a new generation of ethical, inclusive, and action-oriented leaders as Liberia hosts the 13th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa).
Delivering keynote goodwill remarks at the official opening ceremony in Monrovia, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, emphasized that Africa’s future depends largely on the leadership choices made by its young people today.
Addressing more than 150 emerging political and civic leaders from across the continent, Mr. Dia stressed that Africa’s youthful population presents both an enormous opportunity and a profound responsibility.
“Young people are not just beneficiaries of development—they are its drivers. You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today,” he declared.
With more than 70 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, Dia described the continent as standing at a defining moment in its history, where youth leadership will play a decisive role in shaping governance, economic development, social progress, and democratic consolidation.
Leadership Rooted in Values
The UNDP Resident Representative challenged participants to embrace values-based leadership anchored in integrity, accountability, transparency, and public service.
According to him, these principles are not merely aspirational ideals but essential ingredients for sustainable development and effective governance.
“Leadership is defined by integrity, accountability, transparency, and service. These are not abstract ideals—they are the foundation of progress,” he told participants.
Dia further emphasized that inclusive governance and meaningful youth participation remain critical to strengthening democratic institutions across Africa.
He noted that development efforts are most successful when institutions are strong, inclusive, responsive, and trusted by the people they serve.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Leaders
The call for ethical leadership comes as Liberia hosts the latest edition of the Young Political Leadership School Africa, a flagship continental initiative dedicated to preparing young Africans for leadership roles in politics, governance, public service, and civic engagement.
Held from June 8–13, 2026, under the theme “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” the program provides participants with intensive training in governance, leadership, democracy, civic participation, public policy, and digital engagement.
Organizers say the initiative was established to bridge the gap between Africa’s vast youth potential and the realities of political leadership and decision-making.
Despite the continent’s youthful demographic profile, young people remain significantly underrepresented in governance structures. Recent data indicate that less than three percent of parliamentarians across Africa are under the age of 30.
YPLS Africa seeks to address this imbalance by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, values, and networks necessary to influence public policy and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Practical Training and Mentorship
Participants in Cohort 13 are expected to benefit from a comprehensive leadership curriculum that combines theory with practical engagement.
The program focuses on:
- Building political knowledge and practical leadership skills;
- Providing ethical grounding for navigating complex governance environments;
- Strengthening participants’ capacity for policy influence and civic engagement;
- Offering mentorship opportunities and long-term leadership support networks.
Organizers believe that empowering young leaders with the right tools and values is essential to fostering accountable governance and sustainable development across Africa.
Growing Impact Across the Continent
Since its establishment in 2016, the Young Political Leadership School Africa has trained more than 1,200 young leaders from various African countries.
Many graduates of the program have gone on to serve in government institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, development agencies, and community leadership positions.
The initiative has earned recognition as one of the continent’s leading youth leadership development platforms, helping nurture a generation of leaders committed to democratic governance, civic responsibility, and public service.
UNDP Reaffirms Support for Youth Empowerment
The United Nations Development Programme used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to advancing youth empowerment, democratic governance, and inclusive development throughout Africa.
According to UNDP, sustainable development can only be achieved when young people are empowered to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes and when leadership is guided by integrity, inclusion, and service to the public.
Closing his remarks, Dia encouraged participants to approach leadership with courage, vision, and a commitment to positive change.
“Do not wait for permission to lead. Lead where you are. Lead in your communities. Lead in your institutions. Africa’s future is not waiting—it is already being written,” he urged.
As Liberia hosts the latest cohort of the prestigious leadership program, stakeholders hope the initiative will inspire a new generation of principled African leaders capable of driving the continent’s development agenda and advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
About YPLS Africa
The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) is a leadership development initiative dedicated to nurturing ethical, accountable, and transformative leaders through political education, mentorship, capacity building, and practical engagement in governance and public affairs.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576017166570) and X, formerly twitter (https://x.com/LiberianPost).
