Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), in collaboration with various ministries, agencies, and key stakeholders, held discussions today to launch consultations for the upcoming national development plan.
These consultations will take place concurrently across all 15 counties and will involve a wide range of participants, including women's groups, youth organizations, traditional chiefs and elders, local government officials, business leaders, persons with disabilities, and Liberians living abroad.
Stakeholders will engage through various platforms and meetings.
In his remarks at the National Steering Committee meeting on the National Development Agenda, Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Boima S. Kamara, highlighted the importance of collective discussions on development within the framework of the President's ARREST Agenda.
Minister Kamara emphasized,
"We must first define what a development plan entails, especially as a new government that has already made significant strides."
He further explained that the development plan should align with President Boakai's vision for transforming the country, improving the lives of Liberians, and bringing about meaningful change.
"We have progressed from the PRS, AFT, PAPD, to the ARREST Agenda for inclusive development.
The question now is, can we ensure that a new plan, as the foundation for budget execution, will promote inclusive growth and create jobs for Liberians?" he asked.
Minister Kamara underscored the need for adequate infrastructure and appropriate institutions to effectively implement the new development plan.
UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, also speaking at the National Steering Committee meeting, commended the government for its transparency in the process leading to the nationwide consultation for the development plan.
Madam Umutoni reaffirmed the support of foreign partners, including the UN, in creating a more people-centered National Development Agenda.
Planning and logistics mobilization are in advance stage concerning the start of the consultations on the formulation of the National Development Agenda.
Two local think tanks, Subah-Belleh Associates (SBA) and Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), have been hired to lead the consultations for the formulation of ARREST Agenda Inclusive Development (AAID), the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP), and the County Development Agendas (CDAs)