MONROVIA, October 1, 2026 — World Bank Country Manager for Liberia Georgia Wallen has urged Liberian journalists to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency and accountability, saying an independent and credible media is critical to the country’s development.
Wallen made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 62nd anniversary celebration of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), where she highlighted the media’s role in informing citizens, amplifying marginalized voices and strengthening governance and economic development.
She said credibility remains the foundation of journalism and depends on journalists’ commitment to verifying facts, providing context and presenting information fairly.
According to Wallen, the media has a unique responsibility to ask difficult questions, draw attention to issues of public concern and amplify the voices of citizens across Liberia.
She warned that the rapid growth of social media and artificial intelligence has placed greater responsibility on professional journalists as information moves faster and becomes increasingly difficult to verify.
Wallen referenced the World Bank’s 2026 World Development Report, which focuses on the promise of artificial intelligence, and stressed the importance of strong local institutions, including the media, in promoting access to reliable information.
She also urged Liberian journalists to pay greater attention to national data and development reports, including surveys conducted by the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS).
According to her, journalists should go beyond reporting statistics by explaining what the figures mean for ordinary Liberians and how they relate to the country’s development challenges.
Looking ahead, Wallen challenged the media to help Liberia prepare for population growth and future development needs by asking critical questions about the investments and policies required to build a more prosperous and equitable society.
“Every microphone that you hold, every camera you operate, every interview you conduct, and every story you publish has influence and value,” Wallen said.
She congratulated the PUL on its 62nd anniversary and encouraged journalists to continue giving voice to farmers, workers, students, entrepreneurs, women, children and communities across the country.
Wallen said the presence of journalists in counties, districts and communities gives the Liberian media both an opportunity and responsibility to tell the country’s story from the ground up.
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