In line with the preparation for the new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Strategic Plan (2026-2029), UNDP is consulting with Countries – Governments, and partners with the view to ensuring that the new plan is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. On 13 November, UNDP Liberia held the final validation workshop and development pathway dialogue on the future drivers of sustainable and inclusive development study (DoD study).

The workshop aimed to gather different perspectives on the opportunities and challenges for Liberia’s development and to nourish and validate the study's findings. 

Human Development, Governance and Peace, and Inclusive Economic Transformation were the three pillars identified. Based on these, participants had a breakout session to find a common understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and priorities for Liberia. 

This exercise was meant to support Liberia’s plans to find its course within a common understanding of the key priority areas to enable transformative changes in the coming years. 

UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah said it was best to reconvene and review what has been produced since the DoD Study report aims to provide ideas for game-changing sustainable transformation in Liberia over the coming years. 

“I am delighted that UNDP has been charged with encouraging Government and Development Partners to join the effort.  I, therefore, request you to review the final reports, identify the gaps, provide new information, update what already exists, and share your perspectives on the proposed pathways and recommendations from the findings”, Ohemeng-Boamah maintained.   

In group sessions, participants addressed the views of the DoD Study by responding to whether something is missing in the DoD study, what we should be looking at, what kind of development future we see, and the role of UNDP.

Some of the ideas proposed from the group discussions were strategic on building capacities for sustainability and driving sustainable development by increasing job opportunities through implementing innovative solutions that address climate change and the environment. 

Participants also recommended improving coordination between the government and partners who work on addressing WASH issues to avoid duplication of efforts.

Addressing the role of UNDP, participants proposed strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation arm of implementing partners to ensure continuous accountability, emphasizing that accountability be paramount in UNDP requirements to continue its support or partnership.

Participants identified healthcare facilities and road infrastructure as key development challenges facing Liberia. 

The Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning Henry D.Z. Yanquoi, affirmed the government’s commitment to working with development partners to improve living standards in Liberia. 

Yanquoi lauded the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for working around the clock during the study findings.