Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, delivered a powerful keynote address at the second Summit for Democracy and Political Accountability, hosted by NAYMOTE-Liberia in partnership with UNDP Liberia on March 5, 2025, in Monrovia. The event, themed Exploring Pathways for Sustainable Democracy and Inclusive Development in Liberia, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, political parties, civil society organizations, women and youth leaders, marginalized groups, and development partners.
In her address, Sirleaf underscored the vital roles of youth, women, and political leaders in shaping Liberia’s future. She stressed that despite the challenges faced by Liberia and other African nations, the impact on women and children has been disproportionately severe. “Our past reminds us of both our potential and responsibilities. Yes! We can achieve great things together, but we must each do our part, demonstrating that we have the homegrown capabilities to take on the much-needed responsibilities for our own development,” Sirleaf stated.
UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou Dia also spoke at the summit, acknowledging the progress made by the Liberian government in promoting women’s participation in governance but urging further action to ensure lasting change. He emphasized the importance of policies that create an enabling environment for women at all levels of governance, from local leadership to national decision-making.
