The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, convened the third edition of its flagship policy dialogue series.
The Inclusive Hour, bringing together key stakeholders for a candid conversation on Liberia’s fiscal future in the wake of a significant aid suspension by the United States.
Held at the One UN House in Sinkor, the high-level gathering which featured Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, as keynote speaker, was attended by senior government officials, development partners, university students and UN staff.
The forum focused on navigating Liberia’s development amid the recent suspension of US$400 to 500 million in assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Dia opened the event by underscoring the importance of the platform in aligning development programs with the nation’s evolving priorities.
“This is more than a conversation it’s a strategic tool to ensure our interventions remain people-centered and responsive,” said Mr. Dia.
UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni echoed the sentiment, describing the dialogue as a symbol of partnership and resilience.
“This gathering demonstrates our shared commitment to trust, unity and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” she remarked.
In his keynote address, Minister Ngafuan offered a sobering assessment of the potential consequences of the aid freeze, warning that it could disrupt vital programs such as school feeding initiatives that support thousands of Liberian children.
“This isn’t abstract it impacts lives,” the Minister stated. “However, we are responding by tightening fiscal controls, cutting unnecessary expenditures and focusing resources on essential services.”
Ngafuan acknowledged the ongoing support of international partners, including the UNDP, the Swedish Government and the World Bank, while expressing hope for the revival of projects under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which have also been put on hold.
The event saw vibrant engagement from university students, who offered fresh perspectives on youth inclusion in governance and national development.
As the forum concluded, participants echoed a united call for transparency, innovation, and better coordination to navigate Liberia’s current economic challenges.
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining The Inclusive Hour as a platform for open dialogue, policy innovation and collective action. By Godgift Harris