The Youth Assembly 2024 convened 80 dynamic youth leaders from Montserrado, Bong, and Margibi counties, along with distinguished guests, to chart a path toward a brighter future for Liberia. Held as a vibrant platform for dialogue and empowerment, the event also welcomed youth leaders from Sierra Leone, who shared their experiences in combating drug abuse, fostering a spirit of regional collaboration.
Notable Attendees:
The Assembly brought together an array of influential figures, including:
- Her Excellency Amb. Nona Deprez, EU Ambassador to Liberia
- Mr. Anders Ardvisson, EU Deputy Head of Mission
- Hon. Bryant McGill, Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Ministry of Youth & Sports
- Madam Kuta Gbakolay, Assistant Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Ministry of Youth & Sports
- Hon. Sando James, Director for Youth Development, Ministry of Youth & Sports
- Madam Kolanah Sando, USAID representative for the US Ambassador’s office
- Madam Fatima Aliyu Gebi, Policy and Inclusion Analyst, UN Women
- Alhahi Kamara, Country Director, ECOWAS Volunteer Program in Liberia
- Madam Nancy Davisson, Acting Director, Human Trafficking Division, Ministry of Labor
- Madam Banica Elliotte, President of the Federation of Liberia Youth (FLY)
- Representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs)
Messages of Inspiration and Collaboration:
Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Bryant McGill, delivered an empowering keynote address, calling on young leaders to actively shape Liberia’s future. “Be proactive and make informed decisions,” he urged. “Your actions today will determine the future of our nation. Stay committed, stay engaged, and strive for constructive and sustainable solutions.” Hon. McGill also highlighted upcoming projects, such as the UNPA initiative on peace and security, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in national development.
EU Ambassador Her Excellency Amb. Nona Deprez commended the African Youth Fellowship Liberia (AYF-Lib) for organizing the Assembly. She reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives, stating, “The EU is invested in youth and ensuring they have a seat at the table, increasing their voice in decision-making processes. We are happy to support AYF Liberia and young people to engage in dialogue like this.”
Key Takeaways:
The Youth Assembly 2024 provided an inspiring platform for young leaders to connect, share ideas, and explore solutions for critical challenges such as drug abuse and community development. The event underscored the importance of youth-driven innovation, informed decision-making, and international collaboration in fostering sustainable growth and peace in Liberia.
With the commitment of both local leaders and international partners, the Youth Assembly 2024 marked a significant step forward in empowering Liberia’s youth to lead the way toward a prosperous future.
