– Keynote Address by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
On April 17, 2025, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Government of Liberia and Development Partners’ Retreat. The event, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town, brought together government officials, diplomatic representatives, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and members of the Liberian diaspora. The occasion marked a significant step forward in Liberia’s journey toward inclusive development under the framework of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
A Call to Action for Inclusive Development
President Boakai opened his address by reaffirming his government’s commitment to the AAID, an ambitious national plan designed to foster prosperity, equity, and inclusivity across Liberia. He emphasized that this agenda is more than just a policy framework; it is a collective call to action driven by shared aspirations for a better future.
Confronting Liberia’s Complex Challenges
The President acknowledged the multifaceted challenges facing Liberia today. Many children remain out of school, risking an uncertain future, while Liberia’s youth—potential drivers of economic growth—are plagued by unemployment and drug abuse. Women and girls bear the brunt of economic and social hardships, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
These realities reveal not only institutional capacity gaps but also the necessity for transformative change—changes that will generate employment opportunities, improve social services, and uplift marginalized communities. The President highlighted that these issues are compounded by the unpredictable global funding landscape, which demands that Liberia rethink its strategies and build resilience.
The Role of the AAID and Strategic Pillars
The success of Liberia’s development ambitions hinges on the effective implementation of the AAID, which is structured around six strategic pillars:
1. Agriculture
2. Roads and Infrastructure
3. Rule of Law and Governance
4. Education
5. Sanitation and Health
6. Tourism
These pillars are designed to serve as guiding posts for Liberia’s transformation, fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development. President Boakai stressed that fostering inclusive collaboration—aligning efforts and resources across government, private sector, civil society, and development partners—is essential. Transparency, accountability, innovation, and capacity-building will be critical to rebuilding public trust and strengthening state-society relations.
Mobilizing Resources and Building Partnerships
The President acknowledged that implementing the AAID will require approximately 8.4 billion dollars over five years—a substantial investment amid global funding uncertainties. He welcomed the retreat’s focus on “enhancing strategic partnerships” and “exploring innovative financing mechanisms” to mobilize resources effectively.
He called on Liberia’s international partners, including the United Nations, to shift focus toward addressing the root causes of development challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of economic opportunities, rather than solely responding to their symptoms.
A Shared Vision for a Transformed Liberia
President Boakai reaffirmed his government’s unwavering support for this transformative journey. He committed to working with the banking sector to facilitate accessible financing and foster entrepreneurship, engaging the private sector to invest in AAID pillars, and encouraging civil society to act as both collaborators and watchdogs to ensure accountability and inclusion.
He emphasized that Liberia’s natural endowments—its people, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit—are assets that, when combined with innovative financing strategies and local resource mobilization, can overcome funding challenges and strengthen institutions.
A Call for Unity and Cooperation
In closing, President Boakai expressed gratitude to the United Nations and development partners for their ongoing contributions and collaboration. He envisioned a future where shared goals, mutual respect, and genuine cooperation would propel Liberia toward sustainable, inclusive growth.
He urged all stakeholders—government, development partners, civil society, and the Liberian people—to work together with a common vision. Only through collective effort and shared responsibility can Liberia realize the aspirations embedded within the ARREST Agenda and build a prosperous, equitable nation.
Conclusion
As Liberia embarks on this ambitious journey, the words of President Boakai serve as a rallying cry for unity, resilience, and strategic partnership. With unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit, Liberia can transform its challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future for all its citizens.
