UNDP Identifies Liberian Youth As Driving Force For Africa’s Future

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has declared Liberia’s young people as those who will play a decisive role in shaping the future of Africa.

The program has meanwhile, called on the youth to embrace leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility as the continent pursues the ambitious vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The call was made during the 8^th National Youth Peace Summer Camp, where 100 young leaders from the 15 counties gathered for a week-long program designed to strengthen leadership, promote peacebuilding, and prepare young people to become agents of national, and continental transformation.

UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia said, Africa’s future will be determined, not by promises, or aspirations alone, but by the actions of its young people.

Dia challenged the participants to view themselves as the generation responsible to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united Africa.

He admonished young Liberians to invest in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies if they are to compete in an increasingly fast-changing global economy.

Dia encouraged the youth to develop expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate action, finance, and leadership.

He described these fields as essential to Africa’s long-term growth, and competitiveness.

He further stressed the need for Africa’s history to inspire resilience rather than serve as a limitation.

Dia urged the young people to reject excuses, and become solution-driven leaders capable of addressing the continent’s social and economic challenges.

With more than half of the population under the age of 35, Dia noted, possesses one of its greatest development assets in its youthful population.

He said, empowering young people with the right knowledge, skills, and opportunities will strengthen democratic governance, stimulate innovation, promote peace, and accelerate sustainable development.

The conference also underscored that Agenda 2063, is not solely the responsibility of governments, but a shared vision requiring active participation from citizens, institutions, communities, and particularly young people, who represent Africa’s largest, and most dynamic population.

Organized by Messengers of Peace Liberia under the theme: “Daily Commitments for Peace,” the camp provided participants with practical leadership training, civic education, peacebuilding skills, and opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow young leaders.

The Founder and Executive Director of Messengers of Peace Liberia, Gwendolyn Myers, praised UNDP for its continued investment in youth development.

She noted, that empowering young people creates stronger communities, and lays the foundation for lasting peace, and national progress.

Participants departed with renewed determination to translate the knowledge gained into meaningful action within their communities.

The gathering reinforced a clear message that Liberia’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the driving force behind Africa’s future, with the responsibility, and opportunity to build the peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous continent envisioned under Agenda 2063.