GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – The Government of Liberia, through the Peacebuilding Office in partnership with the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Internal Affairs, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has begun a one-day regional dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) at the Passion Hotel #2 in Gbarnga.
The forum brought together young leaders and a few senior citizens from Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties to exchange views on Liberia’s responsibilities as a newly elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In June 2024, Liberia secured a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, winning 187 out of 190 votes. The achievement, considered a historic diplomatic breakthrough, marked the country’s first return to the Council in over 50 years. The victory was widely celebrated as evidence of Liberia’s democratic gains and its growing influence in global peace and security matters.
Building on that success, Monday’s dialogue in Gbarnga was designed to give young people, who make up the majority of Liberia’s population, a voice in shaping the country’s approach at the Council.
Mr. Curtis G. Dabieh, National Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Liberia Peacebuilding Office, explained that the initiative is both educational and consultative. “Many Liberians are not fully aware of what the Security Council does and what role our country plays there,” Dabieh said. “We are here to listen to young people, their views, hopes, and proposals, so that Liberia’s representatives can present youth-centered positions at the UN.”
Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth Sports, J. Bryant McGill, stressed that young people are central to sustainable peace. “This is about co-creation,” McGill said. “Your contributions should feed into a framework that reflects your aspirations. Peace is not just the business of government. It is the collective responsibility of every Liberian.”
Bong County Youth Coordinator, Parker, encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity. “We want peace in Bong and across Liberia,” he said. “If young people stay engaged and committed, we can shape a brighter future for this country.”
National Peace Ambassador, Eric Sumo Quaqua, said Liberia’s election to the Security Council carries weight and responsibility. “This seat is not only for government, it is for all Liberians,” Amb. Quaqua said. “The youth form the majority, and what you say here will help guide our representatives at the UN.”
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madam Janice Smallwood Malekebu, consultant to the Minister and Program Officer in the Ministry’s Management Unit, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening youth inclusion in peace and security. She tied the process to President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes security and rule of law as key pillars of Liberia’s development vision.
A UNFPA representative reminded participants that nearly three-quarters of Liberia’s citizens are under the age of 35, underscoring the importance of youth empowerment in building a stable and peaceful nation.
The Gbarnga dialogue is the first in a series of regional consultations, with similar sessions planned for Grand Bassa and other counties. The recommendations gathered will form part of a national framework to guide Liberia’s diplomatic priorities at the Security Council while reinforcing domestic peacebuilding initiatives.
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