The Government of Liberia through the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning and Internal Affairs with support from the United Nations and Sweden Government has begun consultations for the development of various counties.
The aim of the consultations is to have an inclusive development agenda that will be in line with the government’s ARREST Agenda. Speaking Thursday, August 15, 2024 in Bentol City, Montserrado County, Dr. Clement Lugala lauded the Government of Liberia for the consultations in Montserrado County and appreciated the Vice President for the demonstrated leadership at the Montserrado County Consultations for the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
“The United Nations and development partners welcome the government’s leadership, and establishment of the National Steering Committee of the ARREST Agenda tor Inclusive Development (AAID) planning process and its implementation chaired by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and co- chaired by Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, with the Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs in the leadership team,” Dr. Lugala said.
He said the demonstrated national leadership and ownership of the process at the highest level is highly commended and validates the government’s commitment in changing the lives of Liberians.
“Let me recognize the role of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s stewardship of the ARREST Agenda national and county planning process that will culminate in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development National Plan, the County Development Agendas, and the Public Sector Investment Plan-that will transform the lives of Liberians when implemented,” Dr. Lugala said.
He said the ARREST Agenda will identify the development priorities, contributing to peace dividends and sustainable development in Liberia adding that it must be anchored on the international commitments and most importantly on the SDG Transitions that will accelerate achievement of the SDGs in Liberia.
“The change will only be most evident in the counties; therefore, the county contributions are of utmost importance,” Dr. Lugala added. He said the strong government leadership that has provided the platform for the inclusive national and county planning process in the development of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development is truly commendable.
“Today’s Montserrado County Consultations is a demonstration of the government’s commitment towards developing an inclusive plan that will leave no one behind. The wide consultative process makes national development plan and county development agendas truly owned by Liberians,” he added.
He said the importance of this consultative process cannot be overemphasized because it captures the aspirations and priorities of Liberians, and it will guide the transformative development for Liberia, contributing to the peace dividend and improved lives for Liberians.
He added, “The United Nations and Development Partners will align their support to the ARREST Agenda vision and plan. The development of the ARREST Agenda is timely. Globally, countries are accelerating actions for the achievement of the SDGs with 6 years to go. Both the 2030 vision for Liberia and 2030 agenda coincide with the opportune time for accelerated action.”
“This timeline coincides with the current NDP and represents an opportunity for the National Plan to prioritize and align SDGs transitions and accelerators based on the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development.”
The six transitions are, food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, climate change-biodiversity-pollution, and the Government can prioritize that which would have the catalytic effect on the SDGs.
Dr. Lugala said this process also coincides with the government’s preparation for the Summit of The Future to be held in September and this is a good moment for Liberia to present its recommendations on the commitments for the future to the global stage. “The United Nations will support the Government of Liberia, the private sector and CSOs in Liberia under the aegis of the Decade of Action to deliver 15th August 2024 the SDGs in accordance with the vision of UN’s Secretary General to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
“In conclusion, let me underline the strong partnership between United Nations, Development Partners and the Government of Liberia, and re-affirmed their continued commitment and support to the government’s Vision 2030 and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), based on the principles of effective development cooperation-making aid effective, strengthening ownership, deepening mutual accountability and ensuring the sustainability of development for the people.” He added that the United Nations and Development Partners will accompany the Government in Liberia’s renewal and nation transformational journey.
