MONROVIA — Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Ibrahim Nyei has challenged Liberian youths to constructively criticize and demand more from the government. Dr Nyei called on youth groups to hold government officials accountable for their roles and actions while in government. He said youths must see themselves as active citizens who must engage in policy debates about governance and development and not passive spectators.
Dr Nyei noted that the Boakai government is an inclusive government that welcomes criticism, but warns that those who intend to criticize must avoid spreading fake news and misinformation about the government. He called on youth leaders to engage the government with evidence and push for more service delivery and accountability through evidence-based advocacy.
He spoke during the opening of a two-day national consultation on the development of a National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security on Thursday in Monrovia. He informed the gathering that youth peace and security is a priority of the ARREST Agenda of the Boakai-led government and that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Sara Beysolow-Nyanti has engaged the UN Peacebuilding Commission to support programs in youth empowerment as well as to fight the drug abuse epidemic. Dr. Nyei noted that current data on youth development such as literacy and employment present a grim picture but this is expected to change with the implementation of the ARREST agenda.
“Our human capital development index is at 31%; internet penetration is under 30%, youth literacy is at 77% and this is slightly below the global average of 91%. President Boakai is committed to changing these numbers. He has launched new initiative that will increase internet penetration, create new jobs, promote financial inclusion and build capacity” the Deputy Minister revealed.
But the role of the youth is to engage in productive activities, and help by advocating for progressive policies as well as holding the government to account in a constructive way, he stressed.
The two-day national consultation, which was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the support of the UN, brought together about 100 youth leaders from across the country to dialogue and make make inputs into the national action plan on youth peace and security.
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