The Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Sennen Hounton, led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Friday, September 13, 2024.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Nyanti expressed her gratitude for UNFPA’s ongoing support, particularly in the area of youth education, which is central to the government’s ARREST Agenda.
She emphasized that the President of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., places a high priority on investing in the education, skills development, and empowerment of Liberia’s youth, who are seen as the future of the nation.
“President Boakai has made it clear that youth education is indispensable to realizing the ARREST Agenda,” Minister Nyanti stated. “We have a plan to provide digital skills training to ten thousand young people because, for the President’s vision to become a reality, we need our own people engaged, with innovation at the center.
“Foreign Minister Nyanti also highlighted the critical role of digital skills in attracting foreign direct investment and fostering private sector growth. “Technology is key to moving forward, and equipping our youth with digital training is vital,” she said.
She further discussed the government’s broader strategy to advance the nation, which includes the development of the New National Development Plan, known as the ARREST Plan for Inclusive Growth.
This plan, she noted, is being finalized following a consultative process that involves various sectors of society, including young people, to ensure their voices are heard.
Addressing the challenges faced by Liberia’s youth, Foreign Minister Nyanti spoke of the social gaps resulting from the country’s civil crisis, which have contributed to the rise of at-risk youth who need rehabilitation and support to reach their potential.
“We are a nation with a history of violence, conflict, instability, and chaos,” she said. “But as we graduate from that history, it is crucial that we move forward in a way that promotes equity, with a focus on the most marginalized.
“She called for a holistic approach and the necessary resources to address these societal issues, emphasizing the importance of UNFPA’s continued support.
“We must ensure that our youth are educated, skilled, and have access to employment and opportunities to develop small and medium-sized enterprises,” she added.
Foreign Minister Nyanti also acknowledged UNFPA’s support for the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, which she has been advocating for due to its significance to Liberia’s future. “I pushed for this to be included on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission.
We requested that the Liberia Configuration consider why we cannot graduate from the Peacebuilding Fund at this time, focusing on the importance of youth peace and security in Liberia,” she explained.
In conclusion, Foreign Minister Nyanti urged the UNFPA delegation to support Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
She also expressed appreciation to Mr. Hounton for UNFPA’s structural engagement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In response, Mr. Hounton thanked Foreign Minister Nyanti for the audience and recognized Liberia as a beacon of hope for peaceful transitions of power.
He outlined the objectives of his visit, which included gathering insights from engagements in Liberia and seeking advice on how UNFPA can enhance its cooperation with the Republic of Liberia.
Mr. Hounton praised President Boakai’s leadership, particularly in prioritizing youth education through digital skills training programs.
He assured Foreign Minister Nyanti of UNFPA’s continued support and commitment to rallying other development partners to help shape a brighter future for the region.
He also emphasized the purpose of his visit to assess key indicators related to maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and how to build on these areas.
The UNFPA senior official assured the Foreign Minister of UNFPA’s support in enhancing structural capacity, human capacity building, and governance to maximize their investment.
In closing, Mr. Hounton expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and looked forward to further collaboration. “I want to thank you for welcoming me so far, and I am eager to hear any advice or messages you have for the UN,” he said.
