Liberia: National Youth Peace Camp Highlights UNDP’s Commitment to Empowering Young Voices
By Edwin N Khakie
The 7th Annual National Youth Peace Summer Camp, organized by Messengers of Peace-Liberia (MOP), delivered one of its most anticipated highlights this week with the Meet the Leader session, featuring Mr. Aliou M. Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Liberia.
Mr. Dia was warmly received by more than 100 young peace messengers representing all 15 counties of Liberia, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and hope.
In a session moderated by three of the campers, participants engaged Mr. Dia in an inspiring conversation that touched on mental health, self-discipline, and the importance of leadership grounded in unity and integrity. The dialogue reflected the aspirations of young people eager to shape a peaceful and prosperous Liberia.
Campers described the exchange as eye-opening, noting that Mr. Dia’s words provided both clarity and encouragement for their personal journeys and community leadership roles. For his part, the UNDP Resident Representative expressed admiration for the energy and commitment of the participants, emphasizing that their passion for peace and development is critical to Liberia’s future.
The Meet the Leader session ended on a high note, with mutual inspiration exchanged between the young peace messengers and the UNDP envoy.
Messengers of Peace-Liberia extended special thanks to Mr. Dia and UNDP for their continued support in amplifying youth voices for peace. The organization also recognized the contributions of its partners, including the Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (CABICOL), Action Aid with support from SIDA, Frontline Women Fund through the Gbowee Peace Foundation, and the National Transit Authority of Liberia (NTA).
The week-long camp continues to serve as a unique platform for young people to build leadership, promote dialogue, and strengthen their commitment to peacebuilding across Liberia.
