The Government of Liberia has set the stage for a series of validation workshops for the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the country’s ambitious new National Development Plan.
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) will launch the validation phase in Monrovia from November 5 to 6 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, drawing participation from a diverse array of stakeholders.
This is 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 an essential step in ensuring the voices of all Liberian stakeholders are integrated into the final draft before the formal launch at the end of November. This phase 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 will see 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 that will sharpen the focus of Liberia’s development strategy.
“This validation marks a significant milestone in our journey to a more inclusive Liberia,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. “It’s an opportunity for Liberians to directly contribute to the future of our nation, ensuring that the development goals we set are reflective of 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 take place simultaneously 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 will be hosted in each of Liberia’s county capitals and are anticipated to encourage broader community engagement. This inclusive approach will ensure that the specific needs and priorities of local populations are incorporated into the National Development Plan. Officials hope this comprehensive validation process will bridge any gaps between local needs and national development strategies, fostering a shared vision for Liberia’s future.
The drafting of 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 issues such as healthcare access, education, economic empowerment, infrastructure, and environmental resilience. The insights gathered are expected to form the foundation of Liberia’s strategy for sustainable and inclusive development over the coming years.
As Liberia positions itself for significant economic and social transformation, the ARREST Agenda is envisioned to serve 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’s focus remains on creating a plan that reflects the diversity, resilience, and aspirations of the Liberian people.
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.
