NEW YORK — The Republic of Liberia has unveiled a comprehensive “Pathways” framework centered on youth, peace, security, and development, underscoring the nation’s readiness to actively engage in global initiatives.
Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beyslow Nyanti, launched the vision document on September 18, 2026, during the UNSC-UNGA81 high-level side event, “Rooting and Rising: Liberia’s Vision for Youth, Peace, and Security,” held at the African Union Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. The side event convened international partners, youth leaders, government representatives, and civil society actors to mobilize investment for youth-led initiatives.
The document aims to lay essential foundations for future generations and secure strategic investments to support Liberia’s youth vision for 2035. Minister Nyanti stated that the “Rooting and Rising” framework responds to a transformational call, consolidating significant progress made across all fifteen counties. It ensures the active participation of young Liberians in shaping their country’s future by uniting the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ five-year strategic plan and the National Youth Policy under a single mandate.
Emphasizing that youth, peace, and security (YPS) remain top priorities for Liberia at the UN Security Council, Nyanti highlighted the necessity of amplifying Liberian youth voices globally. She outlined six interconnected pillars governance, evidence, the pathways framework, sports, creative economy, and strategic investment as the bedrock of a sustainable system designed to build robust institutions, generate transparent data, and create real opportunities for young people. She called on both national and international partners to collaborate on elevating future generations.
Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, Minister of Youth and Sports, reinforced the importance of backing the PATHWAYS reforms, asserting that by 2035, every young Liberian should have a clear path to achieve their aspirations. She described the vision as a public commitment to Liberia’s youth and international partners, complete with measurable targets, evaluation timelines, and a generational mandate. Kruah emphasized that the reform process is transparent and evidence-driven, inviting stakeholders to invest in a structured plan rather than unfulfilled promises. She also extended appreciation to the UNFPA, UNDP, UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), UN Youth Office, and contributing governments for supporting Liberia’s youth agenda.
Ms. Diene Keita, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA, urged young people to serve as active leaders in cultivating peaceful, inclusive societies. Commending Liberia’s ten-year framework, Keita noted that young people are essential partners and peacebuilders. She affirmed that investing in youth drives economic growth, stabilizes communities, and secures access to essential resources, expressing confidence in Liberia’s trajectory toward lasting peace.
Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, noted that Liberia’s leadership on the YPS agenda at the Security Council—particularly heading into its council presidency in December presents a vital opportunity for open global debate. He stressed the need to connect daily community needs to peacebuilding efforts by leveraging opportunities in the arts, culture, and sports.
Par Sköld, Counsellor and Civilian Adviser at the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN, commended Liberian youth for taking ownership of the YPS agenda and urged government institutions to continue creating space for youth involvement. Sköld reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to advancing the YPS agenda, recalling its contributions toward Liberia’s initial national plan.
Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, Director of the Western Africa Division at DPPA-DPO, highlighted the importance of aligning the National Action Plan with PATHWAYS and Liberia’s broader ARREST Agenda. She reaffirmed UNOWAS’s support in sharing Liberia’s experiences across the Mano River Union and ECOWAS regions, adding that the DPPA will assist Liberia in bringing youth, peace, and security issues to the Security Council floor in December.
2011 Nobel Peace Laureate and founder of the Gbowee Peace Foundation, Ms. Leymah Gbowee, urged young Liberians to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the PATHWAYS vision. She recommended hosting nationwide town hall meetings to expand awareness and advised the Liberian government to commit fifty percent of the implementation funding internally to inspire stronger confidence among international investors.
Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs of Sierra Leone, expressed full support for Liberia’s roadmap, calling it a beacon of hope that turns past fragility into resilience and transforms historical scars into a testament to progress.
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