At Sub-Regional Communications Workshop In Monrovia To Strengthen Collaboration Across West Africa
Workshop participants pose for photo
By Alfred Kollie
Monrovia, Liberia – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has this week been holding a sub-regional communications workshop in Monrovia, bringing together communication specialists from across West Africa to strengthen collaboration and build the capacity of FAO communication teams.
The workshop, being held at the RLJ Kendeja Resort and Villas, has attracted nineteen communication professionals from several countries in the region. The initiative is aimed at improving communication strategies, increasing visibility of FAO’s development programs, and enhancing coordination, among communication units.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, FAO Representative ad interim in Liberia, Saeed A. Bancie, emphasized that communication has evolved into a strategic driver of impact rather than merely a support function. He noted that effective communication is critical to advancing food security, strengthening agricultural and livestock systems, building resilience, and achieving sustainable development outcomes.
According to Mr. Bancie, communication serves as a powerful tool for shaping understanding, influencing behavior, and supporting informed decision-making. He stressed that it also helps make FAO’s interventions more visible, credible, and measurable while strengthening partnerships, promoting accountability, and mobilizing resources.
He further highlighted Liberia’s progress in areas such as the blue economy, livestock development, forestry, and youth and women empowerment as examples of how effective communication can amplify development gains.
Also speaking at the event, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius Kanubah called on the FAO to increase investment in both traditional and digital media to boost the visibility and impact of its programs across West Africa.
Mr. Kanubah underscored the importance of communication in influencing behavior and promoting social transformation. He noted that FAO’s interventions contribute significantly to the economic, environmental, and social development of countries in the region and stressed the need for stronger public engagement on issues such as sustainable agriculture, hunger reduction, and food security.
He urged the organization to move beyond passive information sharing and adopt more proactive communication strategies to ensure vulnerable communities are empowered with the right information.
The workshop is expected to produce practical outcomes, including stronger communication strategies, improved collaboration among country offices, and enhanced visibility of FAO’s work in the sub-region.