The Government of Liberia has ended the validation workshops for the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the country’s new ambitious National Development Plan. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on Tuesday, November 5, launched the validation phase in Monrovia, and it ended Wednesday, November 6, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, drawing participation from diverse stakeholders.
The project was part of efforts towards achieving inclusive national growth.
The ARREST Agenda, designed as a comprehensive blueprint for Liberia’s sustainable development, encompasses critical areas of economic growth, social inclusion, and infrastructure enhancement, aiming to address regional disparities and uplift underserved communities. The validation workshops are essential in ensuring all Liberian stakeholders’ voices are integrated into the final draft before the formal launch at the end of November.
This forum signifies the government’s commitment to an inclusive development process by seeking contributions from every segment of society, from government entities to grassroots organizations.
The National Sectorial Validation event in Monrovia saw the attendance of representatives from Ministries, Agencies, Commissions (MACs), Development Partners, Academia, Civil Society Organizations, Youth Groups, and the Business Community.
The aim is to achieve broad consensus on the policies, strategies, and goals outlined in the ARREST Agenda. With representatives from various sectors coming together, the validation event is expected to offer comprehensive feedback to sharpen the focus of Liberia’s development strategy.
“This validation marks a significant milestone in our journey to a more inclusive Liberia,” stated a Ministry of Finance and Development Planning spokesperson. “It’s an opportunity for Liberians to contribute to the future of our nation directly, ensuring that the development goals we set reflect the needs and aspirations of all our citizens.”
Following the Monrovia validation, the process will extend to the county level, with a series of County Development Agenda (CDA) validations scheduled to co-occur across Liberia’s counties from November 11 to 16.
These regional workshops will involve Legislative Caucuses, County Leadership, County Councils, Ministries, Agencies, Development Partners, Persons With Disabilities, Civil Society Organizations, and groups representing Women and Youth.
The county-level validations were hosted in each of Liberia’s county capitals and anticipated to encourage broader community engagement. This inclusive approach will ensure that local populations’ specific needs and priorities are incorporated into the National Development Plan. Officials hope this comprehensive validation process will bridge gaps between local needs and national development strategies, fostering a shared vision for Liberia’s future.
Drafting the ARREST Agenda has been a rigorous process. Over the past three months, consultations were conducted across all seventy-three districts, facilitated by the local think tanks Subah Belle and Associate (SBA) and the African Development Management Associates (ADMA). These consultations gathered extensive feedback from community leaders, citizens, and experts, focusing on healthcare access, education, economic empowerment, infrastructure, and environmental resilience. The insights gathered are expected to form the foundation of Liberia’s sustainable and inclusive development strategy over the coming years.
With Liberia positioning itself for significant economic and social transformation, the ARREST Agenda is envisioned as a unifying plan for tackling longstanding challenges while paving the way for resilient growth. The government’s inclusive approach to the agenda’s validation phase reflects a desire to ensure every voice is heard, recognizing that broad-based support and collective ownership are essential for the plan’s success.
With the upcoming launch of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, Liberia stands on the cusp of a transformative period. The validation sessions in Monrovia and the counties represent a critical opportunity for Liberians to shape the direction of their country. As these discussions unfold, the government focuses on creating a plan that reflects the Liberian people’s diversity, resilience, and aspirations.
The final document, set for release at the end of November, is expected to set the framework for Liberia’s development priorities, guiding policy, and resource allocation for years to come.
