Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Liberia’s leading institution dedicated to democratic advancement in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) is set to host the second Summit for Democracy and Political Accountability: Exploring Pathways for Sustainable Democracy and Inclusive Development in Liberia. The summit will take place on March 5-6, 2025, at Bella Casa Hotel, Monrovia, Liberia.

The summit aims to provide a collaborative platform for a diverse range of stakeholders, including government representatives, political parties, civil society organizations, women and youth leaders, marginalized groups, and development partners. Participants will engage in critical discussions on strengthening democracy, enhancing accountability, and promoting inclusive governance. Key focus areas will include the rule of law, civic participation, and public sector governance.

Key Features of the Summit:

Engaging Sessions: The event will include opening remarks, panel discussions, plenary sessions, and group working sessions focused on developing a comprehensive action plan for democratic advancement.

Diverse Participation: The summit will bring together 75 participants from ten of Liberia’s fifteen counties, including Montserrado, Margibi, Bassa, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Bomi, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Cape Mount.

High-Level Speakers:

Keynote Address by H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Former President of the Republic of Liberia. Special statements from H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, H.E. Nona Deprez, Ambassador of the European Union to Liberia, and H.E. Karl Backéus, Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia and Sierra Leone and Madam Christine N. Umutoni, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Liberia

Panel discussions featuring Liberia’s Ministers of Finance and Development Planning, Justice, Gender and Social Protection, as well as representative from UN Women, the General Auditing Commission (GAC), Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and civil society organizations.

Expected Outcomes:

Enhanced Civic Engagement: Strengthening awareness among women and youth on governance and accountability, leading to increased advocacy for improved public service delivery.

Stronger Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between government, civil society, political parties, and international organizations to advance democracy and good governance.

Actionable Policy Recommendations: Developing concrete strategies to promote women’s meaningful representation in politics and decision-making processes.

Establishment of a Community of Practice (CoP): Creating a sustainable network of stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and development organizations to facilitate ongoing dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and joint action for democratic governance in Liberia.

Naymote’s Executive Director, Eddie D. Jarwolo said this is unique opportunity to dialogue, listen, learn and take actions that would advance Liberia’s democratic development for sustainable development, I extend gratitude to Sweden for supporting this Summit which is part of the Democracy Advancement Program and the partnership with UNDP has added value to the summit.