Sanniquellie, Nimba County – Liberia’s Assistant Minister for Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), J. Wellington Barchue,I has called for increased public capacity building and sensitization on the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), as the government strengthens its push to improve the implementation of local and global development goals.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day training workshop in Sanniquellie, Minister Barshue emphasized the need to build local capacity to effectively track progress on both the County Development Agendas (CDAs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This is not just a workshop—it is a turning point,” Barshue said. “We are equipping local officials not only to understand our development goals, but also to monitor and report progress in a transparent and accountable manner.”
The training, organized in partnership with the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, is designed to enhance the technical skills of county-level authorities and improve coordination among government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Hon. Barchue pointed to infrastructure projects as tangible signs of development underway, citing Margibi County where more than 38 community roads are currently under construction. He praised President Joseph Boakai's leadership, crediting his administration with revitalizing the national development agenda.
“Under President Boakai, we have prioritized roads and other critical infrastructure,” Hon. Barshue noted. “This is the kind of leadership that will deliver sustainable development for Liberia.”
He urged public officials to approach their roles with dedication, calling service in government “a privilege” in a nation of over five million people.
Representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, Development Coordination Officer Mr. Sidiki A. Quisia stressed the importance of localizing the SDGs, arguing that development must be rooted in the day-to-day realities of communities.
“The SDGs are not abstract ideas. They are real-world commitments that must take root in our villages, towns, and cities,” said Mr. Quisia. “Local governments are best placed to turn global ambitions into real results—whether through improved schools, clean water, inclusive governance, or climate resilience.”
Mr. Quisia described the workshop as a platform for building partnerships and empowering local actors to drive change through planning, budgeting, data collection, and citizen engagement.
According to organizers, the program forms part of wider efforts to localize the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and County Development Agendas aligned with SDGs by establishing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks, promoting transparency, and increasing community awareness.
The training is supported by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund.