By Nukanah Kollie
MONROVIA – The Country Director of ActionAid Liberia, Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, has emphasized that young people are critical to sustaining peace in Liberia, describing their role as central to building violence-free communities and a stable nation.
She made the remarks recently at the Invincible Park in Monrovia during a one-day Peace Sport Tournament held in commemoration of International Youth Day. The event was organized by the Youth Network for Positive Change (YOUNETPO) in collaboration with several youth-led organizations and partners.
This year’s celebration was observed under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” which underscores the importance of empowering young people to take the lead in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The idea, organizers say, is to encourage youth engagement in community-centered solutions that respond to local needs while advancing national and international development commitments.
In her statement, Madam Johnson praised the organizers and pledged ActionAid Liberia’s sustained support to youth initiatives that promote peace, security, and development. She stressed that ActionAid, as a social justice organization, sees young people as indispensable partners in driving national development.
“ActionAid is a social justice organization. We know that our work around development cannot be achieved without the involvement of young people,” she noted. “Sports remain a powerful tool for unity and positive change in Liberia, and that is why we are glad to be part of this peace initiative.”
The tournament gathered a wide range of participants, including representatives from UN Women, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Federation of Liberian Youths (FLY), Girls Health Alliance, Youth Aid Liberia, and several other youth-driven institutions.
Leaders of the Federation of Liberian Youth, the umbrella body for all youth organizations in the country lauded the collaboration, noting that sports create opportunities for unity, reconciliation, and leadership among young people. “Sports unify all of us, and it is good that we are here today celebrating International Youth Day with young people taking the lead,” an executive of the Federation remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Representative of UN Women, Madam Fatima applauded the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward strengthening youth collaboration and advancing collective action for peace and development.
Similarly, OHCHR’s representative in Liberia, Mr. Guy Njike, used the occasion to encourage young people to remain engaged in peacebuilding and community development. He highlighted OHCHR’s Youth Promotion Initiative, which works closely with the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) under the UN Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) in Montserrado and Lofa Counties, to build the capacity of young leaders for the promotion of peace and security.
International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, is a global reminder of the creativity, energy, and leadership of young people in driving social change. It also challenges governments and institutions to invest in youth development and create more opportunities for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
This year’s celebration organized by YOUNETPO was made possible with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
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