Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County – Presidential Press Secretary Kula B. Fofana has called on the youth of Grand Cape Mount County to take the lead in transforming Liberia, as she addressed the opening of the National Youth Summit on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Robertsport.
Addressing hundreds of young people, Madam Fofana delivered a powerful and impassioned keynote address at the opening ceremony of the National Youth Summit on the Revised National Youth Policy and Action Plan.
Atty. Fofana urged young Liberians to claim their rightful place as leaders of today, not tomorrow, and to transform vision into action for sustainable and inclusive national development.
The event, held at Robertsport City Hall, brought together youth leaders, policymakers, development partners, and civil society representatives under the theme: “Vision to Action: A Youth Policy for Sustainable and Inclusive Development.”
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Atty. Fofana reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, equity, and transformational leadership.
“A nation’s greatest wealth is not buried beneath its soil, but thrives in the hearts, minds, and talents of its young people,” she stated.
She emphasized that the Revised National Youth Policy must be more than a document, it must be a dynamic blueprint that responds to the real-life experiences of young people across Liberia, from fishing villages and rural farmlands to urban centers.
The President’s spokesperson also called for substantial investment in youth education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and job creation, especially in sectors such as agriculture, ICT, green energy, and public service.
“This moment challenges us to move beyond slogans. ‘Youth empowerment’ must no longer be a ceremonial phrase, it must become a structural commitment,” she added.
Fofana stressed the importance of recognizing the intersectionality of youth identities, calling for policies that address gender equality, disability inclusion, and the needs of marginalized groups.
Highlighting the significant role young people already play in civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and public health responses, she challenged the idea that youth leadership is a distant future.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow, you are the leaders of today,” she affirmed. “Do not wait for permission to lead.”
She also emphasized the importance of transparency, monitoring, and youth participation in implementing the new policy. She urged all stakeholders to hold themselves accountable to clear and measurable outcomes.
Development partners, including UNFPA, UN Women, and ActionAid, were commended for their continued support of Liberia’s youth development efforts.
As the summit continues, delegates are expected to refine the policy document and develop implementation strategies aligned with national priorities such as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, and regional and international frameworks including the African Youth Charter, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The National Youth Summit is hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports as part of its broader youth employment and empowerment initiatives.
