As a fitting conclusion, participants reaffirmed their commitment to making Liberia a model for youth-led sustainable development
Monrovia – The Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN) and partners have successfully concluded the third edition of the Liberian Youth SDG Summit, held under the national theme, “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future.” The event brought together hundreds of young leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss pathways for youth engagement in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063.
Held at the Monrovia City Hall, the summit featured a series of interactive panel discussions addressing key issues such as “Youth-led Innovations for Inclusive Development,” “Gender Equity and Inclusive Empowerment (SDG 5),” “Enhancing Governance and Accountability through Youth Participation,” and “Climate Action, Gender Equality, and Youth Empowerment in Liberia,” among others.
Speaking during the summit, YOTAN Program Officer Mohammed Kromah provided insight into the organization’s mission and activities. He described YOTAN as an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to fostering grassroots democracy, empowering youth, and advancing sustainable development.
“Since 2012, YOTAN has been championing the rights of young people and advocating for inclusive governance, human rights, and civic engagement. We believe in amplifying youth voices, promoting good governance, and protecting the environment through innovative solutions and social accountability mechanisms,” Kromah explained.
YOTAN has implemented several initiatives to reduce inequalities, improve education, and foster economic growth across Liberia. One of its signature projects, Empowering the Next Generation of Adolescent Girls through Education (ENGAGE), has supported several rural girls in accessing quality education and escaping the cycle of child marriage.
Collins T. Tamba, Assistant Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, served as the special guest speaker. Addressing participants under the theme “Youth Empowerment for Achieving the SDGs and Africa Agenda 2063,” Tamba emphasized the transformative role of education and skills development.
“Youth are Africa’s greatest asset. Empowering them with practical, job-ready skills through TVET and technology-driven innovations is crucial for creating industries that address local and global challenges,” Tamba said. He also called for greater inclusion of youth in decision-making processes, stressing that their participation is critical for addressing issues like climate change, inequality, and economic transformation.
The summit highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving the SDGs. Speakers and panelists urged collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth groups to ensure young people have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
As a fitting conclusion to the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to making Liberia a model for youth-led sustainable development. They emphasized the need for sustained investments in education, governance, and environmental protection to create a prosperous and equitable future for all.
The Liberian Youth SDG Summit, organized annually by YOTAN, serves as a platform for young people to engage in critical conversations about sustainable development. It aligns with the global SDG agenda and Africa Agenda 2063, aiming to inspire youth leadership and innovation to tackle pressing societal challenges.
With its commitment to building a vibrant Africa driven by empowered youth, YOTAN remains a driving force for positive change in Liberia and beyond.
