On Thursday, June 11, delegates from the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) toured the scenic Kpatawee Waterfall in Bong County.
The tour was part of efforts government had exerted to strengthen local governance and promote rural development.
The visit formed part of activities that marked the ongoing International Policy Roundtable Conference on Local Governance and Rural Development.
Government hosted the conference with Francis Sakila Nyumalin leading the delegates.
Nyumalin is the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Community Empowerment. He described the tour as an opportunity to showcase the country’s development initiatives, and tourism potential to international partners.
The conference brought together 27 experts from 23 countries. They exchanged ideas and shared best practices on decentralization, local governance and rural transformation.
Nyumalin assured his guests of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai remaining committed to empower local communities through the devolution of authority, resources, and decision-making responsibilities. He spoke of the need to strengthen local governance structures, which Nyumalin said, was essential to improve service delivery and foster sustainable development.
He said exposing international delegates to attractions such as Kpatawee Waterfall also highlights the country’s untapped tourism potential, and the important role tourism can play in supporting economic growth. AARDO Secretary-General, Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, praised Liberia for hosting the international gathering. Nardeosingh reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support policies that improve the lives of rural populations in Africa and Asia.
He said, effective development must extend beyond urban centers and reach communities where poverty and limited access to services remain significant challenges.
He said investing in rural development is critical to improve livelihoods and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He further disclosed that recommendations that would emerge from the Monrovia roundtable discussions will be compiled into a comprehensive report and share with the Government of Liberia, AARDO member states and international development partners. The International Policy Roundtable Conference on Local Governance and Rural Development concluded on Friday in Monrovia where participants expressed optimism that the discussions will contribute to stronger local governance systems and more inclusive development in member countries.
