Monrovia, Liberia –Young leaders across Liberia are accelerating action to strengthen information integrity and democratic participation following a one‑day workshop on Youth Participation in the Digital Age, held at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia.
The training forms part of the Media and Information Literacy for Elections (MIL4Elections) initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with national partners and supported by Global Affairs Canada through the Project for Resilience and Integrity in the Management of Elections (PRIME).
The workshop was organized jointly by UNDP Liberia and the National Elections Commission (NEC).
From Global Knowledge to Local Impact
The event marks a significant step in translating global best practices into youth‑driven national solutions. It follows an international MIL4Elections training organized by UNDP Headquarters and UNESCO in Spain, where Liberian youth leader Aria Deemie represented Liberia.
Her participation, made possible through the UNDP Bureau of Policy and Programme Support and the Liberia Electoral Support Project, led to her proposal for a national‑level youth initiative on media and information literacy being selected for implementation.
The workshop brought together youth leaders, media practitioners, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders to build skills in critical thinking, digital citizenship, and responsible information sharing, strengthening digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Using UNDP’s Youth Civic and Political Participation Curriculum, participants engaged in practical sessions analyzing news content, identifying misinformation and hate speech, and promoting safe digital engagement, particularly during elections.
National Leaders Call for Inclusive, Informed Participation
Opening the event, Julius Kanubah, President of the Press Union of Liberia, underscored the workshop’s importance.
“This gathering is not only timely but essential to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged in civic action in both digital and traditional media spaces.”
Delivering keynote remarks, Davidetta Browne Lansanah, out-going Chairperson of the NEC, highlighted the digital transformation of democracy.
“Democracy is no longer shaped solely at polling stations. It is increasingly shaped in digital spaces where information spreads rapidly and influences public opinion in real time,” she said.
She emphasized the responsibility and power of youth. “You are not only voters but content creators, influencers, and the first line of defense against misinformation.”
UNDP: Empowering Young People as Drivers of Democratic Resilience
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Katherine Green linked the initiative to UNDP’s broader global commitment to strengthening civic and political engagement.
“This workshop is part of a broader effort to equip young people with the skills to take global knowledge and apply it in their own contexts, Katherine stressed”
She noted that the initiative aligns with UNDP’s strategic focus on digital transformation as a pathway to inclusive, accountable governance.
For lead facilitator Aria Deemie, the work is deeply personal. “Young people are already advocating for peaceful elections. This initiative equips them with the knowledge and tools to amplify that impact and lead change in their communities.”
Next Steps: Youth as Advocates and Peer Educators
Participants are expected to apply their new skills by serving as peer educators and advocates for media and information literacy, especially ahead of future electoral processes.
Their efforts will contribute to building a more resilient information ecosystem in Liberia—one where young people can counter misinformation, promote peaceful participation, and strengthen electoral credibility.
Continuing Commitment to Democratic Integrity
By investing in youth leadership and digital skills, UNDP and its partners are supporting Liberia’s progress toward an inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy.
PRIME is implemented by the UNDP Bureau of Policy and Programme Support with support from Global Affairs Canada.
The Liberia Electoral Support Project is managed by UNDP and implemented with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, and the NEC, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.