MONROVIA – Liberia made history on August 29, 2025, with the official launch of its National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (NAP YPS) at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The event, attended by top government officials, international partners, civil society representatives, and youth leaders, marks a transformative step toward empowering the nation’s youth and advancing peacebuilding efforts.
In his keynote address, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia, who was represented by Dr. Jarso M. Jallah, Minister of Education, highlighted the importance of the National Action Plan as a statement of the country’s commitment to its young people. “Liberia’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the partners of today in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future,” said Vice President Koung through Dr. Jallah. He emphasized that the youth—comprising about 75% of the population—are not just a demographic group but key agents of change in Liberia’s ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
The National Action Plan aligns with the key pillars of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535, which recognize the vital role of young people in peace and security. These resolutions affirm that youth are not passive observers but central actors and leaders in preventing conflict and building peace. The five pillars of Liberia’s NAP YPS—Participation, Prevention, Protection, Partnerships, and Disengagement and Reintegration—serve as a roadmap to address youth-related challenges such as unemployment, exclusion, and vulnerability to violence.
The Vice President urged the government and international partners to work collaboratively to ensure that the plan becomes a reality. He further emphasized that Liberia’s commitment to youth empowerment is embodied in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which focuses on human capital, peace, and sustainable development.
Mr. J. Wellington Barchue, Assistant Minister for Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, echoed the Vice President’s message, stressing that the plan is a significant investment in Liberia’s future. “The NAP YPS is not just a policy framework; it’s a commitment to transforming the lives of young people and addressing the root causes of conflict,” said Minister Barchue. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to securing both domestic and international resources for the plan’s implementation, including through innovative financing mechanisms. The five-year plan is costed at US$15.4M.
Ms. Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, also delivered a powerful message of solidarity and support for Liberia’s efforts. “The launch of Liberia’s National Action Plan sends a global signal of the country’s commitment to peace, inclusion, and the vital role of youth in shaping a resilient and prosperous future,” Freeman said. She pointed out that Liberia’s alignment with global frameworks such as UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 reflects its deep commitment to ensuring that youth are central to peacebuilding efforts.
Freeman also noted Liberia’s historic significance as the country prepares to take its seat on the UN Security Council in January 2026. “By launching this plan, Liberia not only strengthens its national commitment to peace but also brings its fresh perspectives to global peace and security,” Freeman said, urging the country to lead by example on the international stage.
The UN official commended the collaborative efforts of the government, youth groups, and international partners, specifically praising the contributions of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and WANEP in ensuring inclusive participation. She emphasized that the plan is more than a policy document; it’s a roadmap for youth-led peace and development. “This plan harnesses the energy, creativity, and aspirations of Liberia’s youth. It recognizes that peace is sustainable only when it is inclusive,” Freeman added.
She also acknowledged the ambitious, yet practical nature of the plan, noting that it balances Liberia’s limited resources with clear priorities for youth engagement, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. Importantly, the plan addresses challenges such as gender inequality and promotes the reintegration of vulnerable youth into society. Freeman stressed that its success will require strong partnerships, robust financing, and sustained political will from all sectors of society, especially Liberia’s youth.
The UNFPA also pledged its support for the plan’s implementation. Leonard Kamugisha, Officer in Charge of UNFPA Liberia, highlighted that the development of the NAP YPS involved over 16 months of consultations with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of young Liberians were heard and reflected in the plan. Kamugisha affirmed that investing in youth peace and security is an investment in Liberia’s future stability and prosperity.
As Liberia moves forward with this bold initiative, the launch of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security represents a shared commitment to not only ensuring the safety and well-being of young people but also empowering them to be agents of change in shaping a better future. The plan calls for public-private partnerships, effective monitoring and evaluation, and gender-sensitive policies to ensure that no young person is left behind in the pursuit of peace and development.
In closing, Vice President Koung reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the full and effective implementation of the NAP YPS, underscoring the importance of youth participation in every aspect of the country’s development. “This plan is not just a document. It is a living, breathing tool that will guide us toward a future of peace, equality, and opportunity for all young Liberians,” he said.
The event marked not only a national milestone but a powerful statement to the world that Liberia is committed to empowering its youth and building a more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient future.
