Young Liberians Strengthen Leadership and Peacebuilding Skills to Advance Africa's Transformation

Young people from across Liberia have been encouraged to embrace their role as drivers of Africa's transformation, as the United Nations system joined partners in promoting youth leadership, peacebuilding, and active citizenship during the 8th National Youth Peace Summer Camp. The initiative brought together 100 young leaders from Liberia's 15 counties for a week of learning, dialogue, and collaboration focused on building a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future. 

The camp, organized by Messengers of Peace Liberia under the theme*"Daily Commitments for Peace,"* provided a platform for participants to strengthen leadership skills, deepen civic engagement, and explore their role in advancing Liberia's development and Africa's long-term aspirations. 

Engaging with participants during the camp, Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), challenged young people to see themselves not as beneficiaries of Africa's future, but as the generation responsible for shaping it. 

"Africa's future will not be shaped by slogans alone," Dia told participants. "Realizing the vision of Agenda 2063 requires young people to invest in knowledge, skills, leadership, and innovation. No one will build the Africa we want for us. We must do it ourselves." 

His message reinforced a central theme shared throughout the camp: that Africa's transformation depends on empowered young people equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development, democratic governance, and peace. 

With more than half of Liberia's population under the age of 35, discussions highlighted the critical role young people play in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities, including climate action, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and artificial intelligence. Participants were encouraged to invest in continuous learning and prepare for leadership in an increasingly interconnected and fast-changing world. 

"Our history should inspire resilience, not define our limitations. The responsibility to transform our continent rests with us, particularly with Africa's young people," Dia said. 

He further emphasized the importance of education and skills development, noting:

"If you are not investing in your knowledge, you are limiting your ability to contribute to society. Prepare yourselves to become the leaders, innovators, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and policymakers who will shape Africa's future." 

The dialogue also underscored that the African Union's Agenda 2063 is a shared vision requiring the active participation of citizens, communities, institutions, and especially young people. 

Partnerships were highlighted as key to unlocking young people's potential. Gwendolyn Myers, Founder and Executive Director of Messengers of Peace Liberia, commended UNDP for its sustained support to youth development initiatives and for creating opportunities that enable young leaders to learn, connect, and grow. 

For many participants, the camp provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, build networks across counties, strengthen their commitment to peace, and identify practical ways to contribute positively to their communities. 

The initiative reflects the United Nations' continued commitment to supporting young people as partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing Africa's development agenda. Through collaboration with youth-led organizations, including Messengers of Peace Liberia, UNDP continues to expand opportunities for young Liberians to develop leadership skills, promote social cohesion, and contribute to sustainable development. 

As the camp concluded, participants departed with renewed determination to translate lessons learned into action and to play an active role in shaping a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Liberia. Their message echoed throughout the week: young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are already making a difference today.