A defining feature of Liberia’s approach is the meaningful leadership role given to young people throughout the development of the plan. Going beyond mere consultation, Liberia ensured that youth organizations played an active and meaningful role in shaping priorities, coordinating discussions and mobilizing communities.

The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) served as a co-chair of the national coalition guiding the process with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and civil society partners. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provides technical, financial, and convening function. Youth leaders also facilitated consultations in several counties, gathering perspectives from young people across the country.

This grassroots engagement ensured that the National Action Plan reflects the real challenges and aspirations of Liberia’s youth—from access to opportunities and participation in decision-making to their role in preventing violence and strengthening social cohesion.

“ Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security serves as a roadmap for action, ensuring that young people are recognized as partners, leaders, and co-architects of a peaceful and prosperous Liberia,” said Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports of Liberia during the official adoption of the Plan.

Youth organizations also played a role in shaping public perceptions of youth engagement. By engaging media outlets and community platforms, they promoted a message that young people are not a source of insecurity but essential partners in building lasting peace.

The development of Liberia’s YPS National Action Plan was guided by an inclusive and collaborative process bringing together youth groups, civil society organizations, government institutions, and the United Nations(UNFPA, DPPA, and UNOWAS).

National consultations allowed stakeholders to identify key challenges affecting youth participation in peace and security and to jointly define priorities for action. Through this co-creation process, stakeholders agreed on a set of strategic pillars that will guide implementation over the next five years.

The initiative has also been supported by a strong partnership between the Government of Liberia and several United Nations entities, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Through the regional project “Enhancing National Youth, Peace and Security Capacities in West Africa,” these partners provided technical support and helped strengthen national capacities to implement the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.

“Investing in young people is essential to building sustainable peace,” said Leonard Kamugusha, Deputy Representative, Liberia. Liberia’s National Action Plan demonstrates how inclusive dialogue and partnerships can translate global commitments into real opportunities for youth leadership.

Liberia’s process offers valuable lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen youth engagement in peacebuilding.

• Inclusive stakeholder mapping and engagement
  A broad range of actors—from youth groups and student organizations to government ministries, United Nations agencies, and civil society partners —were mapped and involved in shaping the plan, ensuring a whole-of-society approach.
• Institutionalized youth leadership
  Youth organizations were not only consulted but integrated into the leadership structure guiding the process, reinforcing their role as partners in decision-making.
• Co-creation of priorities
  Stakeholders jointly identified key challenges and developed shared priorities for action, strengthening national ownership of the strategy.
• Strong multi-stakeholder coordination
  Government institutions, youth networks, civil society organizations and international partners collaborated under a coordinated framework.
• High-level political commitment
  Government leadership and sustained engagement from national institutions signaled that youth participation in peace and security initiatives is a national priority.

The successful implementation of the National Action Plan will depend on continued collaboration between government institutions, youth organizations, civil society and international partners. Sustained investment and strong coordination will be essential to ensure that the commitments outlined in the plan translate into tangible results for young people across the country.

Liberia’s experience illustrates how inclusive policymaking that ensures intergenerational partnership with young people  can strengthen national implementation of the NAP, ensures accountability, and create opportunities for young people to contribute to peace and development.

By institutionalizing youth participation and fostering collaboration across sectors, the National Action Plan provides a roadmap for empowering young Liberians as leaders, mediators and innovators within their communities.