• Distinguished guests,
• Faculty of the University of Liberia,
• representatives of government institutions,
• members of the private sector,
• students,
• UNDP colleagues,
• and esteemed partners

Distinguished guests, faculty of the University of Liberia, representatives of government institutions, members of the private sector, students, UNDP colleagues, and esteemed partners—

Good Aftrenoon.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to this important workshop taking place during UNDP AI Week, a global moment when we reflect on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and the opportunities it presents for development. I am especially proud that here in Liberia, we are not only joining the global conversation—we are actively shaping our own path.

Today brings together a remarkable mix of thinkers and doers: educators, policymakers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and the next generation of innovators. Your presence signals something powerful: Liberia is ready to build its own AI future.

AI is transforming how societies operate— it is reshaping economies, enhancing governance, and driving innovation. For Liberia, investing in AI education is essential to prepare a workforce that can lead this transformation and ensure national competitiveness in a digital future. Hence here in UNDP Liberia we are working with the Univerisity of Libeira to establish the first ever Master’s program in AI.

AI is not just a technology, but a tool that can help us solve some of Liberia’s most persistent challenges.

Esteemed guests, 

In governance AI can strengthen service delivery, support data-driven policymaking, and bring transparency to public processes. For example, our office has just released a Request For Proposal inviting a local firm to develop an impliment digital traditional marriage and or divorce certficate platform. That is a confirmation of how AI is transforming service delivery in governance.

In health, AI can help predict disease outbreaks, support diagnostics, and improve access to medical expertise—even in remote communities.

In agriculture, it can empower farmers with climate-smart forecasting, crop monitoring, and better market information.

In education, AI can support personalized learning and help bridge capacity gaps.

In business, it can boost productivity, open digital markets, and strengthen Liberia’s competitiveness. We see how digital marketing is making it for businesses to operate globally.

For Liberia, AI is a strategic necessity. It can help accelerate development, expand economic opportunities, and support the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Distinguished guests,

Around the world, AI is transforming industries at unprecedented speed. Countries are using AI to power public services, strengthen healthcare systems, improve climate resilience, and create new jobs.

Here in Africa we see our brother and sisters —from Rwanda to Kenya to Ghana—are building AI research centers, crafting national strategies, and preparing their workforces for the digital age. This global shift means that countries that invest early will reap enormous benefits—while those that delay risk falling further behind.

For Liberia, the question is not whether AI will reshape our society,but rahter will we prepare our people to  harness it? Will we ensure that AI benefits everyone?

This workshop is part of that preparation, building Liberia’s capacity for the future.  UNDP is committed to supporting Liberia as it builds a future where technology drives inclusive growth and human development. This includes:

• supporting universities to strengthen digital and AI education,
• building the capacities of civil servants,
• fostering partnerships with the private sector,
• and ensuring that Liberia’s youth are equipped with the skills to compete globally.

Your work this week—developing roadmaps, defining infrastructure needs, and designing program models—is helping lay the foundation for Liberia’s first generation of AI professionals and innovators.

A Call to Action

Ladies and gentlemen,

I encourage all of you to see yourselves not only as participants in a workshop but as co-architects of Liberia’s digital future.

Let us seize this moment. Let us build systems that empower people. Let us create solutions that reflect Liberian realities. And let us ensure that AI becomes a force for inclusion, opportunity, and national transformation.

UNDP stands ready to walk this journey with you.

Thank you—and I wish you a productive and inspiring workshop.