Achieving Sustainable Development, Addressing Key Challenges and Maximizing Available Resources Are Key to the National Development Plan; As MFDP and partners commit to the success of the ARREST agenda

Monrovia, Liberia - Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning, Hon. Tanneh G. Brunson says achieving sustainable development, addressing key challenges and maximizing available resources are key in the implementation of the ARREST Agenda.

According to her, when the National Development Plan that is being developed is launched, it will serve as a guiding document for the Government's actions, providing a framework for coordination among various institutions and stakeholders across the country.

Madam Brunson made the disclosure at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism regular press briefing on Thursday May 30, 2024. 

She noted that preparation of the plan involves a multi-stakeholders approach, encompassing extensive consultations with various groups, such as civil society organizations, private sector representatives, government institutions, youth and women organizations, religious institutions, academia and the physically challenged group.

She pointed out that the National Development Plan will be crafted with corresponding county development agendas (CDAs) and the Public Sectors Development Plan (PSIP), guided by the 1986 constitution and will incorporate the priorities outline in the manifesto of the Unity Party, global and regional development frameworks such as the the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa agenda 2063.

She added, “the government remains committed to consistency in the quest to realize the aspirations of the national vision 2023, building upon the gains made in key sectors, utilizing key development including reports/data from development partners.”

According to her, calls for consultation at the sub-national levels and views of stakeholders at district and county levels will be accessed and incorporated in the National Development Plan(NDP), CDA and PSIP.

For his part, the Assistant Minister for Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. J. Wellington Barchue providing background of the NDP said the plan has six building blocks that include, Economic Prosperity, Social and Demographic Harmony, Democracy, Environmental Sustainability, Cultural Vibrancy and Technological Innovation.

The Development Technician noted that the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development will focus on integrated sectors based approach focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation/Health and Tourism.

Under the planning process, identification of stakeholders will capture civil society organizations, private sector representatives, government institutions, youth and women organizations, religious institutions, academia and the physically challenged group.

He averred that the official launch of the consultation process is scheduled for June 17-24, 2024 including sixty-two (62) districts and fifteen (15) counties consultation, eleven (11) sectoral consultation, and fifteen (15) counties validations.

Representing Development Partners, United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Mrs. Christine Umutoni says the United Nations remains a great partner to Liberia’s development in all sectors.

She thanked the Government of Liberia for setting up the National Steering Committee that will steer the implementation of the crafting of the National Development Plan assuring Liberians that the United Nations remain a reliable and credible partner to the Liberian government.

Madam Umotoni is the Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee recently appointed by the President.

The NDP seeks to adequately address the challenges facing the people of Liberia through resource allocations and collaborations.