Monrovia, Liberia – Young leaders in Liberia are increasing their efforts to enhance information integrity and democratic involvement after a one-day session on youth engagement in the digital age held at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia.
The training is part of the Media and Information Literacy for Elections (MIL4Elections) program of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its national partners, which is supported by Global Affairs Canada’s Project for Resilience and Integrity in the Management of Elections (PRIME).
The event was organized in partnership with UNDP Liberia and the National Elections Commission (NEC). The occasion represents an important step in the conversion of international best practices into youth-driven national solutions. It comes after Liberian youth leader Aria Deemie represented Liberia in an international MIL4Elections training held in Spain by UNDP Headquarters and UNESCO.
Because of her involvement, which was made possible by the Liberia Electoral Support Project and the UNDP Bureau of Policy and Programme Support, her idea for a youth media and information literacy project at the national level was chosen for implementation.
In order to improve critical thinking, digital citizenship, and responsible information sharing, the workshop brought together youth leaders, media professionals, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders. Participants took part in hands-on lessons utilizing UNDP’s Youth Civic and Political Engagement Curriculum to analyze news content, spot hate speech and false information, and encourage safe digital engagement, especially during elections.
Press Union of Liberia President Julius Kanubah emphasized the significance of the workshop in his opening remarks. “This gathering is not only timely but essential to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged in civic action in both digital and traditional media spaces.”
The NEC’s departing chairperson, Davidetta Browne Lansanah, emphasized the digital transformation of democracy in her keynote address. “Democracy is no longer shaped solely at polling stations. It is increasingly shaped in digital spaces where information spreads rapidly and influences public opinion in real time,” she said. She emphasized the responsibility and power of youth. “You are not only voters but content creators, influencers, and the first line of defense against misinformation.”
Katherine Green, speaking on behalf of UNDP, connected the project to the organization’s larger worldwide commitment to enhancing political and civic involvement. “This workshop is part of a broader effort to equip young people with the skills to take global knowledge and apply it in their own contexts, Katherine stressed.”
The program, she said, is in line with UNDP’s strategy focus on digital transformation as a means of achieving inclusive, accountable governance. For lead facilitator Aria Deemie, the work is deeply personal. “Young people are already advocating for peaceful elections. This initiative equips them with the knowledge and tools to amplify that impact and lead change in their communities.”
Participants were encouraged to put their newly acquired skills to use by advocating for media and information literacy and acting as peer educators, particularly in front of upcoming elections. Their work will help Liberia develop a more robust information ecosystem where youth can combat false information, encourage nonviolent engagement, and bolster election credibility.
UNDP and its partners are assisting Liberia’s transition to an inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy by investing in youth leadership and digital skills. With assistance from Global Affairs Canada, the UNDP Bureau of Policy and Programme Support carries out PRIME.
With assistance from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden, UNDP oversees the Liberia Electoral Support Project, which is carried out in collaboration with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, and the NEC.
Reported by: Naneka A. Hoffman
