The 2025 Summit for Democracy in Liberia, led by former President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, focused on strengthening governance, accountability, and inclusive development. Supported by international partners, the summit facilitated discussions on critical issues like public sector governance and women’s representation in politics. Delegates proposed actionable strategies to enhance political equality and foster ongoing dialogue among stakeholders, aiming for significant policy changes for Liberia’s democratic future.
The 2025 Summit for Democracy recently convened in Monrovia, Liberia, a time marked by significant challenges for the country. In her keynote address, former President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasized the need for unity and courage among Liberians in facing economic hardships and urged against prioritizing narrow self-interests over national welfare.
The summit, themed “Exploring Pathways for Sustainable Democracy and Inclusive Development in Liberia,” garnered support from the Embassy of Sweden, UNDP, and Naymote, attracting approximately 120 delegates from ten counties to discuss governance and political accountability.
Sweden’s Ambassador Mr. Karl Backéus reiterated Sweden’s long-standing commitment to democracy and good governance, revealing continued support for both civil society and government institutions through partnerships with UN agencies.
The first day included discussions led by panelists focusing on public sector governance and human rights. Cllr. Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor stressed the importance of citizens in shaping their governance while UNDP’s Mr. Aliou Dia highlighted the necessity of a robust legal framework to ensure justice is available to all, particularly marginalized communities.
The Irish Ambassador, Gerald Considine, emphasized the empowerment of women and youth as crucial for a more inclusive democracy, urging young leaders to play their roles effectively. This sentiment was echoed by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Umutoni, who affirmed UN support for Liberia’s accountability initiatives.
The summit’s discussions included increasing women’s participation in politics, highlighting the need for political parties to enhance their structures to support female candidacy. Panelists underscored that empowering women is vital for Liberia’s future and governance improvements.
Delegates proposed actionable strategies and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and political equality, particularly in increasing women’s representation. Additionally, a resolution document was crafted to reflect necessary policy changes for the government as it aims for the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) for 2025-2029.
Melvin L. Harding from the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled expressed gratitude to the summit organizers, praising the initiative as not only informative but also valuable for democratic progress in Liberia.
The 2025 Summit for Democracy highlighted the critical need for unity and active participation among Liberians in ensuring sustainable democratic governance. Keynote speaker H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s call for collective responsibility resonated throughout the discussions, emphasizing courage against self-interest. The active involvement of various stakeholders showcased commitment towards inclusive representation, particularly of women and marginalized groups. The proposed strategies and collaborative frameworks mark a proactive approach to strengthen democracy and facilitate political accountability in Liberia.
Original Source: www.undp.org
