Dakhla, Kingdom of Morocco- The Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor has addressed the 5th edition of the Crans Montana Forum on Africa and South- South Cooperation in Dakhla, the Kingdom of Morocco, a dispatch from the VP’s office said on Monday.
The forum is held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and provides a platform for developing nations to exchange ideas on issues of technology, good governance, youth and women empowerment and diplomacy, according to the dispatch.
At the opening session of the Forum, the Vice President served as one of the keynote speakers, sharing the platform with the First Lady of the Republic of Guinea, the Vice President of the Republic of Guatemala, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, the Former Chancellor of Germany, and the Haiti Prime Minister amongst others.
In her presentation, according to a dispatch from Morocco, the Vice President spoke on the relevance of South-South Cooperation and the economic, political and social benefits developing countries stand to experience.
She recounted the long standing diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Liberia, which she noted has been very beneficial to the Liberian people.
The Vice President expressed gratitude on behalf of Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of Liberia and the Liberian people to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for supporting such forum uninterruptedly, for the last five years.
Madam Howard-Taylor also challenged developing nations, especially African nations, to harness their energies and policies for the development of the African continent.
The Liberian Vice President also addressed a High Panel on Youth Entrepreneurship and Women’s Leadership in Africa, at which she spoke passionately on the urgent need for innovation, inclusion and economic empowerment, in order to provide the space for women and youth to strive in business and politics.
She highlighted the provision of micro-credit and other financial assistance as fundamental to the empowerment of youth and women.
Madam Howard-Taylor, who was described as a female icon in Africa and the world by the organizers, encouraged young women to be resilient and continue to fight for equal space and opportunities in a male dominant world, irrespective of the challenges.
The dispatch from the Vice President’s office said she also had an exclusive dinner when she interacted with high profile personalities at the Forum, including the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Crans Montana Forum has been held since 2015, and has witnessed the participation of great personalities from across Africa and the world. This year’s Forum was held under the theme: “Building a Modern Africa dedicated to its Youth”.
Meanwhile, the Council of the forum has named two young females on the VP’s delegation as the “Crans Montanna Young Leaders 2019” on the forum. They include: Faith Saar Obeng and Fadillah Ann Sahibani.
Members of the Vice President’s Delegation, representing other government ministries, include: Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports for TVET, Mr. Peter Bemah, and Assistant Minster of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms. Mamensie Kaba.