MONROVIA, Liberia — Young leaders across Liberia are stepping up efforts to strengthen information integrity and democratic participation following a one-day workshop on Youth Participation in the Digital Age, held at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia.
The training forms part of the Media and Information Literacy for Elections (MIL4Elections) initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with national partners, and supported by Global Affairs Canada through the Project for Resilience and Integrity in the Management of Elections (PRIME). The workshop was jointly organized by UNDP Liberia and the National Elections Commission (NEC).
From Global Learning to Local Action
The initiative represents a critical step in translating global best practices into youth-driven solutions tailored to Liberia’s electoral context. It follows an international MIL4Elections training organized by UNDP Headquarters and UNESCO in Spain, where Liberian youth leader Aria Deemie represented the country.
Her participation—supported by the UNDP Bureau of Policy and Programme Support and the Liberia Electoral Support Project—resulted in a proposal for a national youth-focused media literacy initiative, which has now been adopted for implementation.
The Monrovia workshop brought together youth leaders, media professionals, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders to strengthen skills in critical thinking, digital citizenship, and responsible information sharing—key competencies in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Participants engaged in practical sessions using UNDP’s Youth Civic and Political Participation Curriculum, analyzing news content, identifying misinformation and hate speech, and promoting safe, constructive online engagement—particularly in the context of elections.
Leaders Emphasize Role of Youth in Democracy
Opening the event, Press Union of Liberia President Julius Kanubah stressed the urgency of empowering young people in both digital and traditional media spaces.
“This gathering is not only timely but essential to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged in civic action,” he said.
In her keynote address, outgoing NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne-Lansanah highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms on democratic processes.
“Democracy is no longer shaped solely at polling stations. It is increasingly shaped in digital spaces where information spreads rapidly and influences public opinion in real time,” she noted.
She underscored the dual role of young people as both participants and gatekeepers in the information ecosystem.
“You are not only voters but content creators, influencers, and the first line of defense against misinformation,” she added.
UNDP Reinforces Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Katherine Green linked the initiative to the organization’s broader commitment to strengthening civic and political participation globally.
“This workshop is part of a broader effort to equip young people with the skills to take global knowledge and apply it in their own contexts,” she said.
Green emphasized that the program aligns with UNDP’s strategic focus on digital transformation as a pathway to more inclusive and accountable governance.
For lead facilitator Aria Deemie, the initiative carries both national and personal significance.
“Young people are already advocating for peaceful elections. This initiative equips them with the knowledge and tools to amplify that impact and lead change in their communities,” she said.
Youth as Catalysts for Change
Participants are expected to extend the impact of the training by serving as peer educators and advocates for media and information literacy, particularly in the lead-up to future electoral processes.
Their role will be critical in building a more resilient information environment—one capable of countering misinformation, promoting peaceful civic engagement, and strengthening public trust in Liberia’s electoral system.
Sustaining Democratic Progress
By investing in youth leadership and digital skills, UNDP and its partners aim to reinforce Liberia’s progress toward a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy.
The PRIME initiative is implemented by the UNDP Bureau of Policy and Programme Support with support from Global Affairs Canada. Meanwhile, the Liberia Electoral Support Project is managed by UNDP in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, and the NEC, with additional support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
Together, these efforts underscore a growing recognition: that informed, digitally empowered youth are central to safeguarding Liberia’s democratic future.
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