ActionAid Int’l S/G Strengthens UN Agencies Partnerships

As part of his official visit to Liberia, ActionAid International Secretary General, Arthur Larok, on Wednesday, June 17, convened a high-level dialogue with United Nations agencies and leaders of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs).

The meeting was to strengthen partnerships, reflect on shared development challenges, and explore collaborative solutions to advance sustainable development and social justice.

The meeting forms part of Mr. Larok’s working visit to assess ActionAid Liberia’s impact, engaging key stakeholders, and reinforcing partnerships that are critical to address the country’s development priorities amid a rapidly changing global aid landscape.

Mr. Larok, who opened the ceremony, underscored the urgent challenges facing civil society organizations worldwide, including shrinking donor support, growing inequality, climate change, rising humanitarian needs, and increasing pressure on development financing.

He said, in the face of these challenges, stronger collaboration among civil society organizations, development partners, governments, and communities is essential to sustain progress and ensure that the voices of marginalized people remain at the center of development efforts.

Participants welcomed ActionAid’s continued commitment to advocacy, community-centered development, and movement-building at both national and global levels.

Glynnis Cummings-John, Country Director of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), noted that collaboration has become increasingly important as organizations navigate a shrinking donor environment.

“One of the things that has helped us continue our work despite declining donor resources is collaboration. Organizations have found ways to share resources, including office spaces, and leverage greater impact by working together rather than duplicating efforts.”

Madam John highlighted CRS’s ongoing collaboration with Ministry of Health to strengthen nutrition services for women, children, and vulnerable populations.

She stressed the importance of maintaining partnerships among organizations that remain committed to Liberia’s development.

Representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Christine N. Umutoni, commended ActionAid for its strong global advocacy and its efforts to amplify issues affecting vulnerable communities.

She called on development actors to ask difficult questions about poverty, inequality, and sustainability while remaining focused on community-driven solutions.

Dr. Mady Biaye, Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), acknowledged the growing pressures facing development organizations globally, and stressed the importance of ensuring that available resources directly benefit communities.

“Every organization is facing challenges, and we must learn from them. Even if UNFPA has only one cent, our focus is to ensure that it reaches the communities that need it most.”

Dr. Biaye identified gender-based violence, youth empowerment, HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and family planning as critical issues requiring continued attention and investment in Liberia.

Dr. Biaye also expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with ActionAid Liberia, particularly on climate justice, gender equality, and advocacy initiatives aimed at addressing emerging development challenges.

Similarly, Cllr. Yah Parwon, Country Director of Medica Liberia, praised ActionAid Liberia for its longstanding leadership in women’s rights movement and civil society space.

“I appreciate ActionAid’s role in advancing women’s rights and leading difficult conversations that many organizations have benefited from.”

Cllr. Parwon noted that despite increasing pressure on funding for feminist and rights-based organizations, ActionAid has remained a strong voice for gender justice and social transformation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among participants to deepen collaboration, strengthen advocacy efforts, and identify new opportunities for collective action in addressing Liberia’s development challenges.