The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Inclusive Green Growth Pillar hosted the third edition of its flagship forum, the Inclusive Hour" on Wednesday, 9 April, 2025, focusing on the recent freeze in USAID funding and its implications for Liberia's national development agenda.

Held at the One UN House in Monrovia, the interactive dialogue brought together policy makers, government officials, UN Staff, students and other development stakeholders.

The event serves as a biannual platform for engaging in discussions on presing national and international development issues.

UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Dia opened the forum, emphasizing the need to deepen understanding of  the evolving aid landscape and the critical role of the UN in supporting Liberia's development priorities. "This platform helps us to reflect, learn, and adjust programming to align with Liberia's development needs. Today's discussion is particularly important in the wake of the aftermath of the USAID aid-freeze," Dia noted.

He praised the Finnace and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Ngafuan, for his willingness to engage in open dialogue on the challenges and potential solutions following the suspension of USAID aid.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, also lauded UNDP for organizing the forum, describing it as a valuable initiative that strengthens collaboration and transparency among development actors.

She noted that the aid freeze is not unique to Liberia and urged stakeholders to work together in finding sustainable  solutions.

In his keynote address, Minister Ngafuan expressed concern over the human impact of the USAID decision. "It's sad to see competent professionals who have lost their jobs and income. USAID was our second-largest donor after the World Bank," Ngafuan said.

However, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning pointed out that the aid-freeze should not be seen as a punitive action that targets Liberia. He noted that the the government of Liberia respects the decision of the United States.

He emphasized the importance and critical need for domestic resource mobilization as a path towards building resilience. Minister Ngafuan was quick to point out that "the government is considering re-purposing and re-directing funding to critical projects previously supported by USAID to address current priorities".

He stressed that the current global economic trend could be seen as a "Blessing in Disguise" for African Solidarity.

"The continent could turn the situation into a positive anger that revolutionizes our integration, an opportunity and a "Wake-up Call" to take ourselves seriously, get stronger, avoid unnecessary assumptions, and see hope at the end of the tunnel," Minister Ngafuan said.

The Inclusive Hour also featured contributions from students at the Stella Maris Polytechnic and other participants, underscoring commitment to inclusive and participatory dialogue.

The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration, partnership, innovation and accountability in addressing Liberia's development challenges amidst shifting global dynamics.