By Edwin N Khakie
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has underscored its unwavering commitment to advancing Liberia’s Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda, declaring young people to be central to the nation’s peacebuilding and development efforts.
Speaking on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Madam Janice Smallwood Malekebu, Consultant and Focal Person on Diaspora Affairs, delivered a powerful keynote address at the National Engagement Forum on YPS in Gbarnga.
Madam Smallwood Malekebu conveyed the Minister’s greetings and emphasized that the Foreign Ministry views youth-driven peacebuilding as a cornerstone of national stability and global diplomacy.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains fully committed to the success of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. This initiative is not just a policy, it is a promise to Liberia’s young people, who make up more than 70% of our population,” she declared.
She noted that the YPS initiative aligns seamlessly with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive development and places young people at the center of Liberia’s transformation.
Highlighting the Ministry’s mandate under Pillar 4 of the NAP-YPS, Madam Smallwood Malekebu stressed the need for deeper collaboration between youth organizations, civil society, and international partners to strengthen peacebuilding, mobilize resources, and reinforce Liberia’s democratic gains.
She further linked the forum to Liberia’s growing diplomatic profile, noting that the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council offers a unique opportunity to champion youth, peace, and security on the global stage.
Calling on young people to embrace their role as peacebuilders, Madam Smallwood Malekebu urged:
“Peace is not the responsibility of government alone. It begins in our families, schools, and communities. Every young person has a role to play in shaping a peaceful and secure Liberia.”
The forum, which forms part of nationwide consultations on YPS, brought together youth leaders, civil society actors, and government representatives for frank discussions on sustaining peace, promoting security, and amplifying youth voices in decision-making.
