Bringing Development Closer to the People: UN Supports Liberia’s Decentralization and Rural Transformation Agenda

 Liberia is accelerating efforts to bring development closer to its citizens through strengthened local governance, empowered communities, and expanded access to public services. At the First International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development, held in Harbel, Margibi County, the Government of Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to decentralization as a cornerstone of national development, with strong support from the United Nations and development partners.

Opening the conference, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. underscored the importance of ensuring that development reaches every county, district, and community across Liberia.

“Lasting progress must be anchored in strong local institutions, empowered communities, and responsive governance systems that bring decision-making closer to the people,” President Boakai said, emphasizing that sustainable development cannot be driven solely from national capitals.

The roundtable, convened under the theme “Advancing Local Governance and Rural Development for an Inclusive and Prosperous Rural Future,” brought together policymakers, development practitioners, traditional leaders, and development partners from Africa and Asia to exchange experiences and identify practical pathways for strengthening local governance and accelerating rural transformation.

For the United Nations, the event reflects a shared commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to build responsive institutions and deliver development where it matters most—in local communities.

UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni highlighted the importance of decentralization in achieving national development goals.

“Strong local governance is essential to achieving national development priorities,” she noted. “By empowering counties, strengthening local planning systems, and promoting the inclusive participation of women and youth, Liberia is building responsive institutions that can deliver sustainable progress in social services, agriculture, infrastructure, and beyond.”

The UN system continues to support the Government of Liberia’s decentralization agenda through initiatives that strengthen County Development Planning Units, enhance local planning and coordination mechanisms, and expand access to essential public services. These efforts align closely with the Government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and the implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018, which provides the framework for transferring authority and service-delivery responsibilities closer to communities.

The conference also provided an opportunity to examine successful local governance and rural development models from member states of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), while exploring strategies to strengthen institutional capacity, advance fiscal decentralization, and improve citizen participation in local decision-making processes.

President Boakai emphasized that meaningful development must be measured by improvements in the daily lives of citizens—whether farmers can access markets, young people can find opportunities in their communities, women can participate in decision-making, and families can access quality services.

The United Nations shares this vision and remains committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts to create inclusive, accountable, and effective local institutions that respond to the needs of all citizens.

“Sustainable development is most effective when it is locally owned, locally led, and responsive to the needs of communities,” Resident Coordinator Umutoni emphasized.

As Liberia advances its decentralization journey, the partnership between the Government, the United Nations, development partners, and local stakeholders remains critical to ensuring that progress reaches every corner of the country. Together, these efforts are helping lay the foundation for stronger institutions, improved livelihoods, and a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Liberians.