Don’t Underestimate The Value Of Your Profession…World Bank Group Country Manager Tells Journalists

World Bank Group Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen has emphasized the vital role of the Liberian media in the country’s past, present and future. Serving as the keynote speaker at the 62nd Anniversary Celebration of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Wallen said that in the wide backdrop of Liberia’s 179-year history, the Press Union has endured for over six decades, and over time, Liberian journalists have borne witness to this great country’s experience, giving voice to the voiceless and providing a lifeline of information in good times and in hard times. She said the celebration was a chance to recognize and honor the resilience, courage, and commitment of Liberian journalists and to appreciate the importance of journalism in the life of Liberia.

“Across the years, Liberia’s media has been the eyes and ears of society – also influencing the national conscience. What you have investigated, what you pursued, what you reported and published has helped to shape public understanding and, in many cases, influence the direction of the national conversation. The World Bank focused its annual “World Development Report” on Building Institutions for Markets in 2002 – when Liberia was in the throws of its most difficult moments and on the threshold of achieving enduring peace. The report dedicated an entire chapter to the role of the media. It highlighted the instrumental role of media in national and global development – from informing and giving voice to people on the margins; to improving public health; to being “an impetus for commerce.” It proposes that media can help to improve governance and support markets. And that realizing these outcomes requires that media is independent, accountable, and able to provide relevant information and reflect diverse social views,” Madam Wallen said.

This, according to her, underlines one of history’s key lessons: namely that the foundation of journalism is credibility. And credibility is the product of an enduring commitment to truth, transparency and accountability. This includes your efforts to verify facts, provide context, and uphold the highest standards of accuracy and fairness. Over the past 62 years, you have served the public – near and far – through your commitment to truth, transparency and accountability.

“Second, you play an essential role in Liberia today. Members of the media are uniquely positioned to strengthen Liberia’s development. By asking important questions, shedding light where it is needed, and amplifying the voices of Liberian citizens and residents, you are helping to promote understanding across the public and private sectors,” she told the gathering.

The World Bank Group Country Manager noted that development depends on an informed public, and an informed public depends on a free and responsible press, emphasizing that it requires more than roads, electricity, digital infrastructure and private investment. It also requires trusted information, transparency, and public confidence. Investors need reliable information. Citizens need to understand policies that affect their lives. Communities need a platform to voice their concerns and aspirations. By reporting responsibly on both our challenges and our progress, the media helps create an environment where businesses can grow, reforms can succeed, and development can be inclusive and sustainable.

“We should also recognize today’s rapidly evolving context,” she said. “The rapid growth of social and new media imposes an even greater responsibility on professional journalists. Today, information travels faster than ever before, with new technologies that pose unprecedented opportunities, risks, and demands. The 2026 World Development Report on “The Promise of Artificial Intelligence” notes that social media and AI tools are spreading rapidly while also acknowledging that information accuracy requires robust local institutions and foundational data systems,” Wqllen indicated.

She said this is integral to building foundations for more and better jobs, which is the focus of WBG partnership with Liberia. And this goes back to the fundamentals. As it becomes harder to distinguish truth from fiction, she told media practitioners that journalism will be increasingly challenged to become more reliable, more rigorous and more indispensable, but journalists play a key role when their stories reflect public interest and what they hold to be true at heart.

Touching on the role of an independent and professional media in shaping Liberia’s future, the Country Manager suggests a story that is crucial to Liberia’s future, but not yet being widely told: Liberia’s 2022 National Population and Housing Census projected that Liberia’s population will grow to over 8 million people by the year 2042. And each life has limitless potential. What will it take for Liberia to be ready for that future? What investments are needed now to prepare Liberia for realizing its national vision and laying the foundation for a prosperous, equitable and bright future for its growing population?

“You have a vital role in posing and helping to answer questions to prepare for Liberia tomorrow. The Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) is overseeing delivery of important national statistical surveys – from the recent Agriculture Census to forthcoming surveys on household expenditure and firms. You play an incomparable role in going beyond the numbers to uncover the stories of Liberians countrywide,” Wallen added.

She encouraged journalists not to underestimate the value of their profession. Every microphone you hold, every camera you operate, every interview you conduct, and every story you publish has influence and value. While journalists all around the world may write about Liberia, she emphasized that the Press Union of Liberia has a distinct advantage. “You are here – on the ground in counties, districts, and communities across this great country. You have unique access, opportunity and responsibility to honor and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. The voices of Liberia’s farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, young people, women, children and communities matter; you can help us to hear them”

Wallen noted that Liberian journalists are positioned to inform Liberian citizens about decisions that affect their lives; to promote and help shape national dialogue; and to tell the stories that need to be told. “History and research make clear that independent and credible media is not an obstacle to development. It is part of the infrastructure of development. Congratulations to the Press Union of Liberia on 62 years of service, and best wishes for an even stronger contribution to Liberia’s story – past, present, and future,” she concluded.