MONROVIA- The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), with support from the European Union, Embassy of Ireland, and Building Peace, Restoring Hope (PAN), has concluded a day-long event in commemoration of FLY’s first Annual Youth Forum on Youth, Peace, and Security in Liberia.
By Francis G. Boayue
The ANNUAL YOUTH PEACE AND SECURITY FORUM held over the weekend at the European Union office in Monrovia, was held under the theme: “Addressing the challenges faced by Liberian Youth in the realms of Peace and Security.”
The event, being the first ever Annual Youth Forum on Youth, Peace and Security in Liberia, brought together participants from the youths and students community, including persons living with disability to address challenges of youth in the area of peace and security in Liberia.
FLY Vice President Jeremiah Wilson speaking at its first ANNUAL YOUTH PEACE AND SECURITY FORUM in Monrovia, said young people are essential builders of a nation, and confronted with several challenges, something he said needs for the government to take proactive steps in addressing them.
He, however, underscored the need for the government of Liberia to prioritize job creation and skill development as means of empowering young people to be meaningful citizens in the society.
He named job creation, skills development and entrepreneurship as steps in making youths contribute meaningfully to peace building efforts in the society.
Also speaking, Irish Deputy Head of Mission to Liberia, Emer Hughes, acknowledged youths as an integral part of a society, therefore employing them to utilize their responsibility to positively impact the society.
According to her, Ireland’s support to Liberia is not a gift, stressing that it is an investment that is intended to yield dividends of peace and security.