Published: June 17, 2026
MONROVIA — The secretary general of ActionAid International arrived in Liberia on Monday for a weeklong working visit aimed at strengthening partnerships, assessing the impact of development programs and advancing discussions on gender equality, youth empowerment, climate justice and locally led development.
Arthur Larok, the global leader of the international anti-poverty and social justice organization, began his official visit June 15 and is expected to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, international development partners, youth groups and community-based organizations.
ActionAid Liberia, in its press statement on the visit of its global leader said the visit underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development priorities while deepening collaboration with key actors working to promote social justice, human rights and sustainable development.
During the visit, Larok will review the achievements and challenges of ActionAid Liberia’s programs and projects, assess their impact on communities and explore opportunities for expanding partnerships, mobilizing resources and strengthening institutional capacity.
On Tuesday (yesterday), Larok was scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with officials of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union Delegation to Liberia. As part of the day’s scheduled activities, he was also slated to meet representatives of civil society organizations during a networking and partnership forum designed to strengthen cooperation and collective action on development issues.
On today’s activities menu, the ActionAid International chief will participate in bilateral meetings with United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations operating in Liberia.
According to ActionAid Liberia, the discussions will focus on enhancing coordination among development partners and identifying ways to support national development priorities through sustainable partnerships. The meetings are also expected to address efforts to transfer greater power, resources and decision-making authority to local actors and communities.
The engagements seek to reinforce collaboration between ActionAid International and the United Nations Country Team in advancing sustainable development, gender-responsive programming and civic accountability initiatives across Liberia.
A major component of the visit will take place on June 18 when Larok meets with youth-led movements and grassroots organizations, including the Federation of Liberian Youth, District Feminist Movements, Activista Liberia, the Young Urban Women’s Movement and climate justice advocates.
The gathering will provide a platform for young people and community leaders to share experiences, discuss challenges and highlight lessons learned from their work in advancing social change and community development.
ActionAid Liberia said the discussions will also explore practical strategies for strengthening partnerships between ActionAid and youth-led organizations, with a focus on increasing youth participation in decision-making processes and ensuring resources are directed toward grassroots initiatives.
The organization noted that the engagement aligns with its broader commitment to promoting feminist leadership, human rights, social justice and climate justice while advancing locally led approaches to development.
Throughout the visit, Larok is expected to emphasize the importance of empowering local communities to drive development solutions and strengthening efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable outcomes, particularly for women and young people.
The visit will conclude with a media briefing scheduled for June 18 at ActionAid Liberia’s country office in Tarr Town, Old Road, Monrovia. During the event, Larok will share observations from his engagements, outline key outcomes of the visit and discuss ActionAid International’s future priorities in Liberia.
He is also expected to highlight opportunities for deeper collaboration among government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and community groups in addressing poverty, inequality and climate-related challenges.
Larok is scheduled to depart Liberia on June 19, bringing to a close a visit that ActionAid Liberia says is intended to strengthen partnerships and advance community-driven solutions for a more equitable and sustainable future.
ActionAid is a global federation working to eradicate poverty and injustice through initiatives that promote social justice, gender equality and human rights. The organization operates in countries around the world, supporting communities to address inequality and advocate for lasting social change.
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