MONROVIA, November 13, 2026 — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has pledged continued support to a coalition of approximately 20 youth organizations across Liberia’s 15 counties to strengthen young people’s participation in national policymaking and advocacy.
The commitment followed a two-day capacity-building workshop for the Liberia Youth Coalition for ICPD (L-YV-4-ICPD), held November 10–11 at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia.
The workshop focused on strengthening youth advocacy, policy engagement and participation in decision-making processes, particularly in advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, UNFPA Liberia Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Country Representative Dr. Leonard Kamugisha described the coalition as an important platform for young people to influence national policies and advocate for improved social services.
He identified high mortality rates, limited access to contraception, particularly among adolescent girls and young women, and persistent violence as major challenges requiring sustained advocacy.
“Because these three elements largely affect young people, it’s only prudent that young people become the champions of change in advocacy, but also in implementing the programmes that are already underway,” Kamugisha said.
He disclosed that UNFPA is prepared to support the coalition’s newly developed 12-month action plan but emphasized the need for accountability and commitment from its members.
According to him, while UNFPA will provide institutional and technical support, coalition members must take responsibility for implementing activities that produce measurable results.
Kamugisha also commended the coalition’s progress since its establishment in 2024, expressing confidence in its ability to strengthen youth representation and policy advocacy.
Meanwhile, Coalition Secretariat Head Leo E. Tiah welcomed UNFPA’s continued partnership, describing the agency’s support as instrumental in creating opportunities for young people to participate in national development discussions.
He urged coalition members to remain committed to representing the interests of young people, particularly vulnerable groups.
“It rests on everybody’s shoulders to make sure that this coalition succeeds and that we serve the very young people and the vulnerable,” Tiah said.
Tiah also appealed for additional technical and financial support to strengthen the coalition’s capacity to implement its programmes.
The initiative seeks to amplify youth voices in national policy discussions, particularly on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, population development and other priorities under the ICPD agenda.
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