Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has emphasized the need for trust, political inclusion, and accountability in governance while addressing world leaders at the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR) in Brussels.
Representing the Liberian government, Vice President Koung pledged Liberia’s full support for the council’s policy agenda, which focuses on fostering political cooperation, global peace, and justice. His remarks were delivered to an audience of world leaders, international organizations, and civil society representatives, where he highlighted the urgent need for political renewal amid global challenges.
Vice President Koung stressed that the foundation of good governance is rooted in trust, which is crucial for sustaining democracy and ensuring public confidence in leadership. He warned that when citizens lose faith in their leaders’ ability to address socio-economic issues, the social contract between governments and the people is severely undermined.
“When citizens lose faith in institutions and leaders’ ability to address their socio-economic needs, the social contract of governance is severely weakened. Yet, renewal is possible: through bold, inclusive, and accountable leadership,” Koung declared.
He urged for greater civic engagement and public participation, arguing that governance should not only serve the people but also actively involve them in shaping policies. According to him, citizen involvement is critical to achieving sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges faced by societies worldwide.
“Governance must not only serve the people; it must also involve their full participation in policy discussions that provide sustainable solutions to the challenges we face,” he emphasized.
Koung highlighted the transformative role of technology in enhancing government transparency and accessibility. He underscored the need to empower young people to demand accountability and engage actively in the political process.
“Our call for political renewal must also embrace civic technology, which can make government services more accessible and responsive to citizens’ needs,” Koung noted.
He further stressed the importance of empowering the younger generation to hold governments accountable while participating in shaping policies that reflect their aspirations.
“We must empower our youth to demand accountability and to actively engage in shaping policies, reinforcing the global belief that democracy is something that is built, not inherited,” he added.
Throughout his address, Vice President Koung linked the need for political renewal to broader global issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and security threats. He argued that international cooperation is essential to tackle these challenges effectively and to create a fairer, more equitable world.
He concluded his speech with a call to action, urging the global community to translate discussions into tangible actions within their respective countries. He insisted that political renewal should not be viewed as a singular event but as a continuous journey toward a better future.
“Political renewal is not a destination; it is a continuous journey. Today, in this room, the journey must be accelerated,” Koung declared, calling for collective action to drive global transformation.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Global Council for Political Renewal concluded with renewed commitments from participating nations to promote governance practices that prioritize accountability, civic engagement, and global collaboration.
