Liberia’s leading peacebuilder and advocate, Ms. Gwendolyn Myers, has received the African Union (AU) Young Peacebuilder of the Year 2025 Award, marking a historic continental recognition.
Myers received the prestigious honour on November 5, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during activities commemorating the 20th anniversary of the African Union’s Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Policy Framework.
The award, presented under the AU Peacebuilder Award 2025 category, recognizes her outstanding contribution to youth leadership, peacebuilding, and strengthening community resilience across Africa.
In a statement following the ceremony, Myers described the recognition as an overwhelming honour, particularly as the first recipient of the newly introduced African Union Young Peacebuilder of the Year category.
She, however, dedicated the award to young people working to promote peace across the continent, particularly more than 2,000 young peace messengers who have passed through Messengers of Peace-Liberia Inc., an organization she is associated with.
According to Myers, the recognition goes beyond her personal achievement, highlighting the important role young people play in preventing conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and strengthening communities.
She also acknowledged young peace advocates across West Africa and the wider African continent who continue to contribute to peacebuilding efforts, often without public recognition.
Myers expressed appreciation to the African Union Peace and Security Council, diplomatic missions, and AU Member States for recognizing and supporting their work.
The recognition comes as the African Union emphasizes moving from policy commitments to practical action in post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable peacebuilding.
Her achievement places Liberia among the countries receiving continental recognition for youth-driven contributions to peace and community development.
