The President of the Federation of Liberian Youth Banica Elliott has called on the young people of Liberia to recognize that their strength lies not only in their numbers but in their unity, stating further that the values, and determination to demand nothing less than Liberia deserves.
Speaking at the opening of a one day Pan African Youth Town Hall gathering President Elliott stressed that the unity of the young people lies in the offspring of a nation built on resilience.
According to her , the young people over the period faced challenges yet remain steadfast in hope for a positive better tomorrow.
President Elliott told her peers that she does not only acknowledged the potential and contribution of the young people but also understands the weight of the challenges while proudly embracing the fire of their potential.
“I speak for the student in Harper aspiring to be a doctor, the entrepreneur in Ganta launching a new business, the activist in Buchanan advocating for climate justice, and the young mother in Paynesville nurturing the leaders of tomorrow”, emphasizing that the young people are not the problem but the promise for a better Liberia and the continent at large.
She pointed out that the young people are not passively awaiting the future but are actively shaping it now.
The FLY’s President informed the participants that the town hall initiative goes beyond mere gathering rather it serves as a rallying cry, a call for the young people to rise above division, invest in collaboration that prepares them for the global stage.
As a means of further empowerment, Madam Elliott at the same time reechoed the need for the creation of jobs that align with the energy and ideas of the young people.
She used the ocassion to encourage the young people to establish and see peace and justice as key instruments to development and lead with integrity, compassion, and vision.
“Let us dream boldly and build grandly, you are important, Your ideas are valuable, Your moment is now, Let us rise, Let us build, Let us lead-for Liberia and Africa in general “, she noted.
Speaking of the theme; empowering youth for Inclusive Development and gender equality in Liberia, Deputy Minister for Youth development Bryant Mcgill said Africa needs to take advantage of its youngest demographic and be deliberate in crafting policies and programs that will empower both male and female youths in addressing persistent inequality that have hindered progress over the years.
According to him, empowerment is not a slogan rather it is about action in education, on access to finance on skills, in political inclusion in digital transformation and most importantly in dismantling of gender based barriers that continue to sideline young women and girls.
He told the young people that inclusive development means leaving no one behind recognizing that development must be people centered.
Mr. McGill emphasized that young people are not just tomorrow’s leaders but are now today’s change agents.
“They are creating jobs , building peace, innovating with technology and leading community action”, he noted.
Deputy Minister McGill used the ocassion to commit Government’s support to equitably and inclusively with real investment , real representation and real respect.
“Let’s rise together, young men and women, side by side to shape the Africa we want, a prosperous, inclusive and just.
Meanwhile, the day long interactive session highlighted key issues affecting the young people with focus on flagging the issues and finding solutions to addressing them in the interest of the young people.
