Highlights from the 2025 Summit for Democracy in Liberia
The 2025 Summit for Democracy in Liberia, led by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, focused on overcoming economic challenges and promoting legislative integrity. With support from Sweden and UNDP, it featured discussions on governance and women’s political representation. Delegates recommended actionable policies and established a Community of Practice for ongoing dialogue to enhance democracy.
The second Summit for Democracy, held on March 5-6, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia, featured prominent keynote speaker H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addressing a backdrop of economic challenges facing the nation. She highlighted the resolute spirit of Liberians in overcoming past adversities, emphasizing that current times call for legislative integrity and a commitment to collective national interest over partisan agendas.
The summit, themed ‘Exploring Pathways for Sustainable Democracy and Inclusive Development in Liberia’, received funding from the Embassy of Sweden, supported by UNDP and Naymote. Sweden’s Ambassador Karl Backéus reiterated Sweden’s longstanding commitment to bolstering democracy and governance in Liberia, outlining support for various civil society initiatives and governmental partnerships.
The event attracted approximately 120 participants from diverse counties in Liberia, fostering meaningful discussions on public sector governance and the rule of law. Citizens were encouraged to participate in shaping their governance, particularly in the fight against corruption. UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Dia underscored the vital role of accessible justice and the critical involvement of all citizens in nurturing democracy.
Ambassador Dia also pointed out the challenges faced by marginalized groups in accessing justice, advocating for robust legal frameworks that promote civic awareness. Similarly, Irish Ambassador Gerald Considine emphasized the importance of including women and youth in democratic processes, regarding them as agents of change for a more inclusive Liberia.
Contributions from other dignitaries included the support of the European Union in enhancing transparency in governmental operations. UN Women’s Comfort Lamptey called for improved representation of women in politics, asserting that political parties must adapt their structures to encourage female candidacy. Panel discussions revealed the necessity for grassroots women empowerment for future leadership.
Delegates at the summit formulated several policy recommendations to boost governance and ensure human rights protections, alongside significant political representation for women. They proposed a Community of Practice (CoP) to continuously engage stakeholders in democratic dialogue and policy implementation. The culmination of the event was a resolution document aimed at driving progress toward the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) 2025-2029.
The 2025 Summit for Democracy highlighted critical issues regarding governance, human rights, and political representation in Liberia. With substantial participation from various stakeholders, the event emphasized the need for legislative integrity, inclusivity, and accountability in fostering a democratic society. The proposed policy recommendations and community engagement mechanisms are essential for sustaining these efforts and addressing challenges facing the country.
Original Source: www.undp.org
