The Third Summit for Democracy and Political Accountability convened in Monrovia on March 24, 2026, by Naymote Liberia with a clear message from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that democracy must deliver real, tangible benefits for the Liberian people.

The national gathering brought together government leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens from across Liberia’s fifteen counties to advance dialogue on strengthening democratic governance, accountability, and inclusion.

Organized by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, the Summit was held under the theme “Sustaining Liberia’s Democracy through Accountability, Inclusion, and the Rule of Law.” 

It provided a platform to reflect on democratic progress, identify persistent governance challenges, and explore collaborative reforms to reinforce democratic resilience.

Delivering remarks, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou M. Dia underscored the importance of ensuring that governance systems translate into improved lives and opportunities for citizens.

“Democracy is not an abstract principle. It must deliver tangible benefits for citizens,” said Dia.

He acknowledged Liberia’s steady democratic gains over the past two decades but emphasized that sustaining these achievements requires collective vigilance, continuous effort, and renewed commitment.

Mr. Dia also highlighted UNDP Liberia’s upcoming 2026–2030 Country Programme Document (CPD), which will place strong emphasis on inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

The CPD will introduce innovative digital tools aimed at boosting accountability, strengthening service delivery, and expanding transparent engagement between government institutions and communities.

“These tools will help bridge the gap between institutions and communities, making governance more transparent and accessible in real time,” he stressed.

A Renewed Commitment to Liberia’s Democratic Future

The United Nations in Liberia through its Resident Coordinator Christine Umotoni, renewed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia in advancing democratic reforms, protecting human rights, and promoting inclusive participation.

“As Liberia continues its democratic journey, today’s Summit underscored a shared commitment to building accountable institutions and earning public trust requires sustained effort, cross-sector collaboration, and a democracy that truly delivers for its people,” madame Umotoni added.

Security, Inclusion, and Accountability as Pillars of Democracy

Representing the Government of Liberia, Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Rtd.), Minister of National Defense, reaffirmed the link between security and democratic governance.

“A secure nation is one where democratic process can flourish. Citizens must be able to exercise their rights without fear,” she noted.

Minister George emphasized that, beyond security, Liberia’s democratic progress depends on transparent institutions, accountable leadership, and empowered citizens.

Development Partners Reaffirm Commitment to Democratic Governance

International partners echoed the call for strengthened accountability.

Kevin Culligan, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Ireland, stressed that democratic governance is defined by what institutions do between elections:

“Democracy is not only about elections. It is about how institutions serve the people and how leaders remain accountable.”

Kerstin Jonsson Cissé, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, underscored the importance of inclusivity and alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator emphasized the need for deeper multistakeholder coordination, including the private sector to accelerate governance reforms and strengthen accountability frameworks.

Participants engaged in thematic discussions on the rule of law, governance reforms, political participation, and civic engagement, charting a path toward stronger institutions.

The sessions focused on generating actionable recommendations and strengthening follow-up mechanisms to ensure the Summit’s outcomes translate into lasting impact.

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