By Vaye A. Lepolu
The United Nations in Liberia has embraced the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) as a vital strategy for the country’s growth and development. This endorsement took place during the launch of the AAID plan by the Ministry of Finance Development and Planning in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, on January 15, 2025.
At the occasion, UN Resident Coordinator Madam Christine Umutoni, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the AAID, describing it as a critical component for Liberia’s inclusive development. “The AAID is a vital framework for Liberia’s inclusive development,” she stated.
Madam Umutoni emphasized that the National Development Plan reflects a collective effort to support Liberia’s progress. “This document represents a collective effort to support Liberia’s progress,” she noted.
She further highlighted the UN’s eagerness to enhance its partnership with the Liberian government to ensure the AAID’s success. “UN stands ready to strengthen its partnership with the government to ensure its success,” she affirmed.
The launch ceremony also saw the presence of various UN agency representatives and development partners, marking a pivotal moment in Liberia’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development. “Also, the Arrest Agenda is the result of an extensive consultative process involving a diverse range of stakeholders from all 15 counties that show the preparation of 2023 visions,” Madam Christine Umutoni added.
Madam Umutoni pointed out that the AAID will play a vital role in transforming the lives of Liberia’s youth and citizens, enhancing their prospects.
In tandem with this initiative, Minister of Internal Affairs Francis Nyumalin presented the County Inclusive Development Agenda (CIDA) to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, highlighting its significance. He explained that the CIDA was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and international partners, including the AAID, to foster growth for the country and its people over the next five years.
Minister Nyumalin acknowledged the challenges faced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in advancing decentralization across the country. He advocated for the introduction of the County Development Agenda (CDA) as a solution to these challenges, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Development and Planning.
He noted that both the AAID and CDA serve as foundational frameworks aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Liberian citizens, with implementation reliant on supportive resources and an inclusive approach. He emphasized the importance of empowering citizens in counties, districts, clans, and chiefdoms to take ownership of the CDA, stating, “If the AAID and CDA are fully implemented, it will allow strong community engagement in their development.”
Minister Nyumalin also conveyed a message to President Boakai, asserting that no community in Liberia lacks capacity but rather faces a lack of opportunities to take charge of their development processes. “Mr. President, there is no community in Liberia that lacks capacity, but they are lacking the opportunities to own the process of their development,” he concluded.
