The Liberian Government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), is hosting a three-day “Quarterly Aid Coordination Forum” in Monrovia from November 25-28, 2024. Organized by the Aid Coordination Department, the forum seeks to assess progress and address challenges in aid coordination and implementation across the country.
The forum commenced with remar, Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the MFDP, who expressed gratitude to Liberia’s development partners, particularly the Swedish Government, for their continued support of Liberia’s national development initiatives.
“Development is a process and not an event,” Hon. Zuo emphasized. “I want to thank Sweden for its support in the formulation of the National Development Plan. Sweden provided crucial funding for this effort.”
He further highlighted the importance of data in planning and development. “Comparative analysis in development begins with data collection. Without data, it is impossible to formulate plans or execute any meaningful initiatives,” he stated.
Hon. Zuo also underscored the ongoing progress with Liberia’s project dashboard, which tracks aid coordination and implementation efforts. Additionally, he called on donor partners to adhere to the principles of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, which emphasizes mutual accountability and effective use of aid.
“The Paris Declaration reaffirms that developed countries should lead in providing financial assistance to less endowed and more vulnerable nations while encouraging voluntary contributions from other partners,” Hon. Zuo explained.
The Paris Declaration, adopted in 2005, serves as a practical roadmap to enhance the quality of aid and its impact on development. It outlines specific implementation measures and establishes a monitoring system to ensure accountability among donors and recipients.
Hon. Zuo concluded by commending the Aid Coordination Unit and urging analysts at the Ministry to strengthen their roles in managing Liberia’s development programs.
In her remarks, Ms. Kerstin Jonsson Cisse, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swedish Embassy, expressed appreciation for the invitation to participate in the forum. She noted the importance of aid coordination, emphasizing the need for clarity in roles and responsibilities among partners.
“Aid coordination is essential. Knowing who does what and why is necessary to achieve meaningful results,” Ms. Jonsson Cisse stated.
Hon. Alice E. Williams, Assistant Minister for External Resources and Debt Management at MFDP, also addressed the gathering. She highlighted the forum’s purpose as a platform to review the status of ongoing and upcoming projects, identify challenges, and collaborate on solutions.
“This forum is about our shared commitment to strengthen and manage our external resources effectively,” Hon. Williams remarked. “It allows us to evaluate progress, address challenges, and chart a collective way forward for the successful implementation of projects in various sectors.”
Hon. Williams emphasized that the discussions would not only focus on successes but also on challenges faced during project implementation, with the goal of finding effective and efficient solutions.
The Quarterly Aid Coordination Forum serves as a crucial mechanism for ensuring accountability, fostering collaboration, and driving progress in Liberia’s development agenda. It reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and mutual cooperation with its development partners.
