The Embassy of Sweden in Liberia has committed to supporting Liberia’s National Development Planning (NDP) process.  

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Government of Sweden formalized this commitment by signing an agreement to provide roughly USD380 thousand (4M SEK) to the Government of Liberia. This funding will be channeled through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and used by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to facilitate essential national and sub-national consultations for the NDP. 

This contribution underscores Sweden’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and strengthening the collaborative efforts between Liberia and Sweden. The consultations supported by this funding are crucial for inclusive and comprehensive development planning, ensuring that voices from all regions and sectors are heard and integrated into the national development agenda.  

The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) of the Embassy of Sweden, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) formalized the partnership to bolster Liberia’s development capacity. During a ceremonial signing and farewell event, representatives from these organizations signed an agreement to launch the "Accompaniment Support to the Government of Liberia in Furtherance of Capacity for Development Project." 

This initiative aims to enhance the Liberian government's capabilities in critical areas such as governance, infrastructure, and public services. The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia Urban Sjöström highlighted the importance of sustainable development and affirmed Sweden’s commitment to Liberia’s growth. 

Ambassador Sjöström expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating that Sweden is committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts towards achieving its development goals. “This contribution is a testament to our continued partnership and shared vision for a prosperous and inclusive future for all Liberians,” he noted. 

UNDP Resident Representative ai. Louis Kuukpen emphasized that the project would provide strategic support, fostering resilience within the country. Kuukpen said this collaboration symbolizes a significant step towards achieving long-term developmental goals. 

Delivering remarks on behalf of Ms. Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Antony Akumu-Abogi, UNHCR Country Representative said “As head of the UN system in Liberia, I am proud that our UN Agencies have become partners of choice in Liberia among the development partner community. Be it support to a Peaceful electoral outcome, to managing natural resources, so that Liberia’s resources work for Liberia’s development, the international community has found the UN a reliable partner to work with in delivering development for the people of Liberia,” Abogi emphasized. 

He said this contribution underscores Sweden’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and strengthening the collaborative efforts between Liberia and Sweden. 

Abogi also stressed that the consultations supported by this funding are crucial for inclusive and comprehensive development planning, ensuring that voices from all regions and sectors are heard and integrated into the national development agenda. 

Deputy Finance and Development Minister for Economic Management Dehpue Zuo expressed the government’s acknowledgement and gratitude for the support it receives from both SIDA and UNDP noting that it is through the consultations that the government will be able to find solutions to the challenges faced by Liberians and therefore feed them into the NDP. 

The signing ceremony took place at the One UN House, with representatives from the Liberian Government and other UN agencies. This event marked a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between Sweden and Liberia, aimed at promoting sustainable development and economic growth. 

UNDP used the ceremony to also bid farewell to the Ambassador of Sweden Urban Sjöström and his colleague Johan Romare, head of Development Cooperation, as they end their tour of duty in Liberia.