Minister of Internal Affairs Francis Nyumalin has called on delegates at the 21st General Session of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) to support Liberia’s development agenda with the necessary trained manpower.
Addressing the gathering taking place in India, New Dehli, on Friday, February 21, 2025, the Internal Affairs Minister said this support would help to achieve Liberia’s development agenda and address climate change, and thereby enhance rural community development.
He said Liberia can achieve Agricultural production, irrigation system, animal husbandry, communication, and sustained service delivery, including waste management, safe drinking water, electricity, quality education, as well as health service delivery through a decentralized approach.
According to him, having had the opportunity to participate in various on-line programs and discussions with the AARDO Secretariat, he wishes to underline that AARDO’s Strategic Framework 2030 and technical program are well aligned with the ARREST Agenda of the Liberian government, which is the country’s national development plan.
He said the historic assembly of the African and Asian governments and civil society organizations represents a significant platform, aimed at devising strategies and pathways to improve the socio-economic growth and development of rural communities in both Africa and Asia. It demonstrates stronger bonds of friendship and commitment to eradicating poverty and addresses inequalities that underpin the well-being of our people, as well as contribute to nation-building.
“Excellencies, allow me to mention that no country in the world can achieve sustainable development without the required human capital, food security, and other essential elements of human security. As the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, serving for the past year, I am exceedingly pleased to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of AARDO to the human capital development needs of Liberia,” He said.
Minister Nyumalin said Liberia, as a post-war economy, faces a tight fiscal space and has inherited significant financial obligations to AARDO over the past several years, adding that the country has outstanding obligations as a member of AARDO from previous years, while requesting consideration in addressing this matter through the most appropriate mechanism, in accordance with the Rules and Procedures of AARDO.
He said recognizing the strategic importance of AARDO’s initiatives, the newly elected government of His Excellency, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of Liberia, has made concerted efforts to reinstate our country’s active participation in AARDO.
“Being committed to reigniting our membership,” he said, “I am honored to inform this distinguished gathering that my Government sincerely appreciates the high level of professional and focused areas of AARDO’s programs that can be leveraged to the advantage of the government and people of Liberia. These areas mark a new era of engagement, capacity development, and transformation for our nation.”
“On behalf of the Government of Liberia, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to AARDO and its leadership, for their unwavering support and generosity. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our collaboration with AARDO and ensuring that Liberia continues to play an active role in this esteemed organization’s mission for rural transformation and sustainable development,” the internal Affairs Minister said.
