MONROVIA – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s development priorities, including governance reforms, climate resilience, digital transformation, and youth empowerment, during a high-level meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday, June 26, 2026.
UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, met the President at the Executive Mansion’s Rehab Office in Paynesville to brief him on ongoing UNDP-supported initiatives and explore expanded areas of cooperation aimed at accelerating the government’s development agenda.
During the engagement, Mr. Dia outlined UNDP’s continued support to Liberia’s Performance Management and Compliance System, describing it as a key tool for strengthening accountability and improving service delivery across government institutions. He also expressed readiness to support the operationalization of the President’s Delivery Unit, which is expected to fast-track implementation of priority national programs.
A major focus of the discussions was human capacity development, particularly the Executive Mansion Communications Internship Program. Mr. Dia described the initiative as a strategic investment in training the next generation of Liberian communications professionals and indicated the UNDP’s interest in expanding the program to reach more young people.
Climate change and environmental resilience also featured prominently in the talks, with UNDP highlighting ongoing efforts to mobilize climate financing for coastal protection initiatives. Communities such as West Point in Montserrado County and vulnerable coastal areas in Sinoe County were identified as priority sites for intervention due to rising climate-related risks.
On innovation and digital transformation, Mr. Dia discussed plans to establish County Innovation Hubs across Liberia and ongoing collaboration with partners to create an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity Center at the University of Liberia. The initiative aims to equip young Liberians with advanced digital skills to compete in the global economy.
In the health sector, the UNDP official provided updates on support for the digitalization of the registration system at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), alongside broader interventions aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and essential services in rural communities.
He further noted ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, including renovation works at Voinjama Hospital in Lofa County, and emphasized the need for improved water supply systems, ambulances, and mobile clinics to serve remote populations.
The meeting also addressed preparations for Liberia’s hosting of the Mano River Union (MRU) YouthConnekt Summit in Monrovia next June, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The event is expected to bring together young leaders from across the sub-region and showcase Liberia’s culture, investment potential, and development progress.
Mr. Dia also reiterated UNDP’s support for President Boakai’s peace and reconciliation agenda, describing it as essential to strengthening national unity, social cohesion, and long-term sustainable development.
President Boakai welcomed the update and commended UNDP for its continued partnership with Liberia. He expressed appreciation for the organization’s support in advancing national development priorities and emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in areas that strengthen institutions, expand opportunities for young people, improve public service delivery, and enhance the welfare of citizens.
