PHOTO: Diverse stakeholders who attended consultations here in Liberia
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Liberia is among the countries actively preparing for the upcoming global Summit of the Future, which will be held in the United States of America.
Consultations have been conducted at the county level, as well as with children and youths, to gather input and ensure an evidence-informed country position for the summit.
The upcoming summit, scheduled to take place in New York from September 23-24, 2024, is a high-level event that will bring together world leaders to discuss and forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
One of the key outcomes of the summit will be the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.
To ensure the voices of Liberian children and youths are heard, consultations have already taken place in Ganta, Nimba for youths, and in Monrovia, Montserrado for children.
These consultations aimed to address immediate challenges, propose long-term strategies and establish a common platform for advocacy on behalf of children and youths.
The consultations involved diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, the private sector, persons with disabilities, and development partners.
The discussions focused on international peace, sustainable development, science and technology, digital cooperation, and transforming governance.
The ministries of Finance, Youth, and Sports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Gender Ministry, received financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partnered with UN agencies such as UNFPA, UN Women, and UNICEF.
Together with the Resident Coordinator Office, they conducted the national forum, which led to the creation of a country position based on resolutions from the children’s forum, the youth event, the country consultations, and additional contributions from stakeholders.
The purpose of the validation exercise, conducted during a one-day Concept Note for the National Forum on the Summit of the Future in Monrovia, is to review, refine, and finalize the resolutions and recommendations generated during the consultations.
The aim is to establish a national consensus on the priorities of the global summit and ensure a well-informed country position.
The validation exercise also serves to gather input from young people and children, validate the outcome of the summit consultations, and include diverse perspectives from stakeholders.
Speaking at the validation forum, the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Ms. Christine Umutoni, highlighted Liberia’s development path and emphasized that the country’s representation at the Summit of the Future will build on the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
She emphasized the importance of clarity of purpose, ambition, solidarity, and commitment to transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Liberia.
Ms. Umutoni emphasized that the national summit should reflect the aspirations of children and youths, as they are the future leaders of Liberia.
The UNDP Resident Coordinator acknowledged that Liberia is facing various challenges, including climate change, global health issues, technological disruptions, and socioeconomic inequalities.
She maintained that the Summit of the Future is not just a meeting of minds, but a call to action to craft visionary and practical solutions by harnessing the collective wisdom of diverse communities.
Liberia’s position for the global summit will include a promise to transform national, regional, and continental economies and societies more inclusively, aiming to reduce inequalities and tackle the climate crisis.
Additionally, the position will prioritize human capital development and improvements in governance systems.
Ms. Umutoni encouraged everyone to join efforts under the leadership of the government to present actionable recommendations for a sustainable, just, and equitable future.
The United Nations stands ready to support Liberia’s efforts by facilitating dialogue, providing technical assistance, and mobilizing resources to ensure that the collective vision for the future becomes a reality, Ms. Umutoni added.
Also present at the forum, Mr. Anthony Ohyemeng-Boamah, UNDP Resident Representative a.i., expressed gratitude to the Liberian government for organizing the National Forum on the Summit of the Future.
He noted that the inclusive and consultative process undertaken by the government to ensure an evidence-informed national position.
Mr. Ohyemeng-Boamah said the importance of multilateral cooperation and partnership to overcome challenges and harness opportunities in an increasingly complex world.
He highlighted the need to prioritize sustainable development, financing, and international peace and security.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ohyemeng-Boamah expressed confidence that the national forum would stimulate discussions and create a shared vision for Liberia beyond 2030.
He expected the forum to contribute ideas and solutions to global challenges and showcase Liberia as a nation ready to make significant contributions on the global stage.
The UNDP remains committed to including persons with special needs, youths, and children, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.
During the forum, the Speaker of the Liberia National Children Forum, Roberto R. Cooper Jr, highlighted the resolutions made by children, including the implementation of human rights, digital technology, and good governance.
Cooper called for the full implementation of children’s rights, the elimination of violence against children, good governance, and affordable and accessible digital technology in all schools.
The day-long National Forum on the Summit of the Future brought together around ninety participants from the government, children, youth groups, persons with disabilities, civil society, private sector organizations, and UN and development partners.
Liberia sees the global summit as a critical opportunity to enhance global cooperation, address governance gaps, and create a better present while safeguarding the future.
The country, like the rest of the world, looks forward to actively contributing to discussions and shaping its future development path.