MRU Youth Ministers Sign Landmark Pact to Strengthen Youth Leadership, Peace and Security
MARGIBI COUNTY, Liberia – Youth ministers from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea have signed a regional declaration aimed at advancing youth political leadership, promoting peace and security, and strengthening youth participation in governance across the Mano River Union (MRU).
The agreement was signed Monday during the 13th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLSA) held at the Royal Ambassador Hotel in Margibi County.
The declaration marks a significant step toward enhancing regional cooperation on youth development and recognizes the critical role young people play in strengthening democracy, civic engagement, peacebuilding, and sustainable development throughout the MRU region.
Under the agreement, the ministers committed themselves to supporting initiatives that prepare and mentor young people for leadership positions in politics, public service, and governance. The declaration also emphasizes youth involvement in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and community security initiatives.
The ministers further pledged to deepen collaboration among youth-focused institutions in the three countries through regular exchanges, peer-learning programs, and the sharing of best practices designed to empower the next generation of leaders.
A key component of the commitment focuses on promoting civic education, democratic values, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship among young people.
The declaration also calls for increased participation of young women, persons with disabilities, rural youth, and other marginalized groups in leadership and decision-making processes.
Addressing growing regional challenges, the ministers agreed to support youth-led innovations and practical solutions aimed at tackling unemployment, misinformation, social instability, violence, and limited access to leadership opportunities.
The agreement concludes with a commitment to sustain cooperation beyond the conference through continuous policy dialogue, regional exchanges, and joint programs that strengthen youth leadership and civic participation across the Mano River Union.
The declaration was signed by Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah, Guinea’s Minister of Youth, Hon. Cellou Baldé, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh.
The three ministers reaffirmed their belief that the future prosperity and stability of the Mano River Union depend largely on the meaningful inclusion, empowerment, and leadership development of young people. They pledged to work collectively to advance democratic governance, peaceful civic engagement, and regional cooperation.
The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLSA), which hosted the gathering, is a leadership development initiative dedicated to equipping emerging African leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to promote democratic governance, civic participation, peacebuilding, and public service across the continent.
