President Boakai Reaffirms Commitment to Decentralization and Rural Development
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance and accelerating rural development across Liberia, describing decentralization as a cornerstone of his government’s development agenda.
Speaking at the opening of the First International Policy Roundtable on Local Governance and Rural Development in Monrovia, President Boakai stressed the importance of empowering local communities and institutions to drive sustainable national progress.
The President commended the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and Liberia’s Ministry of Local Government for bringing together policymakers, development partners, traditional leaders, and governance experts from Africa and Asia to explore strategies for promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
According to President Boakai, meaningful national development cannot be achieved solely from capital cities but must be anchored in strong local institutions, empowered communities, and governance systems that bring decision-making closer to the people.
“Sustainable development must be driven from the grassroots,” the President noted, emphasizing that local governments play a critical role in ensuring citizens have a voice in decisions that affect their daily lives.
Reflecting on Liberia’s post-conflict recovery, Boakai said the country’s experience has underscored the importance of inclusive governance and citizen participation.
He noted that Liberia’s democratic gains and recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council demonstrate growing international confidence in the nation’s governance reforms and development trajectory.
The President further highlighted his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes decentralizing economic opportunities, strengthening local governance structures, and ensuring that development benefits reach communities throughout Liberia.
The international roundtable is expected to foster dialogue and cooperation among participating countries while generating policy recommendations aimed at advancing rural transformation and improving local governance systems across Africa and Asia.
